Assignment one

Sociology AS – Families and Households. Assignment One

Below are Four recent trends in the way we live that all challenge the traditional stereotypical nuclear family model. Your task is to read articles that are posted on “Andrew’s sociology Blog” and navigate to the section “Articles for Assignment One” and to summarise these. Read the instructions below which will help you summarise. Summaries are NOT simply Copying and pasting. In addition, think about the presentation – use Headings, space, abbreviations, underlinings, colour and highlighting, arrows, boxes etc. Don’t just present a block of text.

No more than 4 sides in total (1 per issue).

Deadline = _________________________

1. The rise in people living alone.

For this use the article link “Singltons”

Identify the major patterns as concerns this type of household and the reasons for its growth. Include some key statistics and any sources. What are the pros and cons for the family, individual and society?
How does it challenge the stereotype of the typical family?


2. The increase in Childless couples and the increase in Children being born to older parents.

For this use the article link “Mothers over 45 giving birth on the rise OR “Women giving birth over 40”.

What are the recent trends? What reasons are given for these trends? What are the pros and cons for the family, individual Women over 40 giving birth and society?
In what ways does it challenge the stereotype of the typical family?

3. The increased use of Grandparents as Childminders.

For this use the article link “Paying Grandparents for childcare”.


Referring to this article, explain the present trends in the role of grandparents in family life. What are the pros and cons for the family, the grandparents and society in general. In what ways does it challenge the old stereotype of the typical family?


4. The Kidults phenomenon (The Boomerang Generation)

For this use the article link “The rise of the Kidult”

What is this and what are the trends? Why is it occurring? What are the pros and cons for the parents, children and society? How does it challenge the stereotype of the typical nuclear family?