#SOCFAM Latest from ONS on Families and Households. www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
On the other hand, older people often have more spending power – they become a key market for goods and services (sometimes called the 'grey pound').
On the other hand, older people often have more spending power – they become a key market for goods and services (sometimes called the 'grey pound').
Cultural and Social Attitudes Ageism can become more common – older people may be seen as a burden, or face stereotypes (e.g. “they don’t understand technology”).
More contemporary arguments suggest there is a growth in ‘active ageing’ as individuals have more leisure time and ability to pursue hobbies after retiring.
Impacts of the ageing population - the UK median age is 40.7 with less children being born and people living longer, but what are the impacts: #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 3/3
More Care Responsibilities Feminist sociologists highlight the burden on women – often it’s daughters or daughters-in-law who care for elderly relatives.
Sandwich generation: People (especially women) looking after both elderly parents and dependent children at the same time. Leads to emotional strain, time poverty, and sometimes financial hardship.
Pressure on Public Services Older people use the NHS more for age-related conditions (e.g. dementia, mobility issues).
Hirsch (2005) argues we’ll need to redistribute income and resources – e.g. more spending on pensions and healthcare, possibly paid for by raising taxes or extending working age.
Impacts of the ageing population - the UK median age is 40.7 with less children being born and people living longer, but what are the impacts: #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 2/3
An ageing population means the average age of the population is rising, and there is a growing proportion of older people (usually 65+) compared to younger people. This is due to: Increased life expectancy (people living longer) Declining birth rates (fewer young people being born)
An ageing population means the average age of the population is rising, and there is a growing proportion of older people (usually 65+) compared to younger people. This is due to: Increased life expectancy (people living longer) Declining birth rates (fewer young people being born)
Key Impacts on Society: 👨👩👧👦 1. Family Structures Increased beanpole families (Brannen, 2003): Families become “long and thin” – more generations alive at once, but with fewer people in each generation.
Key Impacts on Society: 👨👩👧👦 1. Family Structures More intergenerational ties: Grandparents may play a bigger role in childcare (e.g. helping working parents), but also may need care themselves.
Impacts of the ageing population - the UK median age is 40.7 with less children being born and people living longer, but what are the impacts: #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 1/3
Caption: mart suggests we look beyond the traditional family and focus on “personal life”, which can include: Friends who feel “like family” Pets as family members Fictive kin (e.g. calling a close friend “auntie”) Non-biological parental roles (e.g. step-parents or donor-conceived families)
{Person doing Yoga on beach with caption: Strengths of PLP Inclusive – recognises diverse family forms and emotional bonds. Realistic – reflects how people experience family in real life. Challenges stereotypes – doesn't assume one “correct” family type.
Dictionary page with Caption: Criticisms of PLP Too individualistic – can seem vague or difficult to generalise. Underplays inequality – may ignore how class, gender and ethnicity limit choices. Lacks structure – not as useful for explaining broader patterns or policies.
What is the Personal Life Perspective? What do students need to know about PLP for sitting AQA A Level Sociology Families and Households? Check out this brief overview of main points of PLP #aqaalevelsociology #alevelsociology #sociologystudent #socfam 3/3
Finger with face drawn on, surrounded by colourful speech bubbles. Caption: The Connectedness Thesis. This opposes ideas of individualism and free choice proposed by sociologists such as Giddens and Beck
Paper doll cut outs in a circle with Captions: Smart (2007) Smart argues against the idea that individuals are completely free to choose their family ties. Instead, she proposes the Connectedness Thesis
Outdoor family meal with caption: Smart argues: We’re always connected to others, even after a relationship ends, emotional ties remain. Decisions are shaped by history and embedded relationships e.g., past marriages, children, or cultural expectations.
What is the Personal Life Perspective? What do students need to know about PLP for sitting AQA A Level Sociology Families and Households? Check out this brief overview of main points of PLP #aqaalevelsociology #alevelsociology #sociologystudent #socfam 2/3
Wooden figures with capition what is the personal life perspective?
Family in a field with caption PLP developed as a response to Functionalist, Marxist and even some Feminist views that see the family as a fixed structure with clear roles.
Family gathering with caption: Instead, PLP argues that: Family is not one-size-fits-all – it’s diverse and flexible. What counts as “family” is based on meaning, not just biology or law. Relationships are shaped by individual choice, but also by our social ties and past experiences.
What is the Personal Life Perspective? What do students need to know about PLP for sitting AQA A Level Sociology Families and Households? Check out this brief overview of main points of PLP #aqaalevelsociology #alevelsociology #sociologystudent #socfam 1/3
Family Change Over Time Track how family structures have shifted—from large extended families to nuclear families, to today’s more fluid and diverse arrangements.
Demography Look at population trends like birth rates, death rates, life expectancy, and migration—and how these affect family life in the UK today.
Family Policy Examine how government laws and policies (like maternity leave, benefits, and marriage laws) shape family choices and structure—who benefits, and who doesn't?
What do you need to cover for #socfam Option Topic of Families and households for AQA. Simple overview of main themes. 📌 Save & share with your study group!
#AQASociology #FamiliesAndHouseholds #ALevelSociology #StudySociology 3/3
Family Patterns & Diversity Learn how family types are changing—more cohabitation, later marriages, higher divorce rates, and diverse family forms like single-parent and same-sex families.
Gender Roles & Domestic Labour Who does the cooking, cleaning, and childcare? Study how roles within the home have changed (or stayed the same), and whether relationships are becoming more equal.
Childhood Is childhood a fixed stage of life, or has it changed over time and place? Think about whether children today are more protected or more controlled.
What do you need to cover for #socfam Option Topic of Families and households for AQA. Simple overview of main themes. 📌 Save & share with your study group!
#AQASociology #FamiliesAndHouseholds #ALevelSociology #StudySociology 2/3
Theories of the Family Explore how sociologists view the role of the family—Functionalists see it as keeping society stable, Marxists say it benefits capitalism, and Feminists argue it maintains patriarchy.
Family Patterns & Diversity Learn how family types are changing—more cohabitation, later marriages, higher divorce rates, and diverse family forms like single-parent and same-sex families.
Theories of the Family Explore how sociologists view the role of the family—Functionalists see it as keeping society stable, Marxists say it benefits capitalism, and Feminists argue it maintains patriarchy.
What do you need to cover for #socfam Option Topic of Families and households for AQA. Simple overview of main themes. 📌 Save & share with your study group!
#AQASociology #FamiliesAndHouseholds #ALevelSociology #StudySociology 1/3
Marriage rates in the UK are falling 📉 Why? Changing values, rise of cohabitation, feminism, secularisation & personal choice. It's not the end of love—just new ways of living it. #sociology #socfam #alevelsociology #sociologystudent 3/3
Marriage rates in the UK are falling 📉 Why? Changing values, rise of cohabitation, feminism, secularisation & personal choice. It's not the end of love—just new ways of living it. #sociology #socfam #alevelsociology #sociologystudent 2/3
Marriage rates in the UK are falling 📉 Why? Changing values, rise of cohabitation, feminism, secularisation & personal choice. It's not the end of love—just new ways of living it. #sociology #socfam #alevelsociology #sociologystudent 1/3
Different sociological perspectives offer different views on how government policies influence family life. Sociologists have researched how policies impact family structures, roles, and inequalities. #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 3/3
Different sociological perspectives offer different views on how government policies influence family life. Sociologists have researched how policies impact family structures, roles, and inequalities. #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 2/3
Different sociological perspectives offer different views on how government policies influence family life. Sociologists have researched how policies impact family structures, roles, and inequalities. #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 1/3
#SOCFAM theweek.com/culture-life...
A debate in the study of #socfam is whether gender roles in the family are becoming more equal. There have been huge changes in society – more women in work, changing social attitudes, and shifts in laws and family structure – but has this led to a fairer division of labour in the home? 3/3
A debate in the study of #socfam is whether gender roles in the family are becoming more equal. There have been huge changes in society – more women in work, changing social attitudes, and shifts in laws and family structure – but has this led to a fairer division of labour in the home? 2/3
A debate in the study of #socfam is whether gender roles in the family are becoming more equal. There have been huge changes in society – more women in work, changing social attitudes, and shifts in laws and family structure – but has this led to a fairer division of labour in the home? 1/3
#SOCFAM Demographic trends and the family. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...