BRITISH SOCIETY

British Society has Undergone Some Major Changes since the 1950's



Abstract

This paper examines how sociological constructions of work and family relations have shifted over the years, exploring how specific bodies of literature have documented and shaped considerations for social connectedness. Also discussed are some means through which the world has seen these changes come from such as post modernism and globalization.

Abstractii

Introduction4

Discussion4

Changes in the Family Structure of British Society4

Differing Views on the Change in Family Life5

Changes in the Work Patterns of British Society6

The Expanding Workforce6

Shift from Manufacturing to Services7

Changing Gender Equilibrium at Work7

The Shrinking in Workplace8

Flexibility in work8

Post Modernism in Work Patterns and Family Life9

Globalization10

Impact of globalization on family life and Work11

Conclusion11

British Society has Undergone Some Major Changes since the 1950's

Introduction

Post 1950s, Britain swiftly relinquished its position as the world's largest stately power, but it was the substantial social and cultural transformation and revolutions at home that actually altered British society.

Discussion

Changes in the Family Structure of British Society

Theories in contemporary writing on the subject of family life circle around the idea of social change with discussions that study the impact of societal and structural changes on personal lives of people in Britain around the 19th century. Trends in household composition and family forms studied through statistical analysis show that diversity is observed in the living arrangements for example lone parents, step families, more divorces etc.

From a sociological viewpoint, these changes in the living arrangements occurred after the industrialization of the society. This drive towards industrialization led the society to become de-traditionalized and individualistic in its social life. Some scholars and social critics supported this change and adopted an optimistic view of changes that occurred due to industrialization. But some also agreed to the pessimistic view that this segregation from the traditions lead to moral framework disintegration within the society. In the following paragraphs, I will be presenting both the views as evidence of change in the family structure of Britain after 1950s.

Differing Views on the Change in Family Life

Scholars and researchers who adopted a liberal view described these changes as positive and asserted that justice and equality in relationships can be separated from the economic and political views. In the past family life was recognized as the primary structure that supported small communities, generating basic services and goods for sustainability of individuals and society as a whole. These extended family structures were based on patriarchy, approved status which resulted in a community with no separation in economic, social and familial functions (Arsenberg & Kimball, 1968, n.d).

The optimistic view was incorporated in speculations known as functional theories. Talcott Parsons supported the same view and said that this modern society has led to more contained and a nuclear family structure. Parsons said that as economic activity grew in the society more need was created for a mobile and specialized work force. In order to cater to this need, family life had to evolve to nuclear family structure which was free from the responsibility and commitment of wider family relations to better adapt themselves ...