Family Changes in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide for Sociology Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the increasing divorce rates in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Increased availability of affordable housing

Answer

Changing social attitudes towards marriage

Answer

Economic pressures on families

Answer

Greater female autonomy

Question 2

The concept of the 'traditional family' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A married couple with children living in the same household

Answer

A single parent with children

Answer

A cohabiting couple without children

Answer

An extended family including grandparents and other relatives

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a factor believed to have contributed to the increasing divorce rates in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Increased availability of welfare support

Answer

Changing gender roles

Answer

Economic pressures

Answer

Greater social acceptance of divorce

Question 4

What is a significant social consequence of the rise in cohabitation in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Increased relationship instability

Answer

Enhanced financial stability for couples

Answer

Reduced societal acceptance of marriage

Answer

Improved child development outcomes

Question 5

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of modern families in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Greater diversity and flexibility in family forms

Answer

Emphasis on traditional family roles and structures

Answer

Reduced importance of kinship ties

Answer

Increased focus on extended family networks

Question 6

How has the rise of cohabitation impacted the legal rights of unmarried couples in the UK?

Accepted Answer

They have limited rights, such as inheritance and property ownership

Answer

They have equal legal rights and responsibilities as married couples

Answer

They have no legal recognition or protection

Answer

They are automatically considered common-law spouses

Question 7

What is the term used to describe the increasing number of couples living together without being married?

Accepted Answer

Cohabitation

Answer

Divorce

Answer

Remarriage

Answer

Single parenting

Question 8

What is the primary reason for the decline in the traditional nuclear family structure in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Increased social acceptance of alternative family forms

Answer

Economic pressures on families

Answer

Government policies promoting family diversity

Answer

Advancements in reproductive technology

Question 9

Which of the following statements about single parenthood in the UK is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Single parents are more likely to experience financial difficulties

Answer

Children of single parents have better educational outcomes than children of two-parent families

Answer

Single parenthood is becoming less common in all social classes

Answer

Single parenthood is a major cause of family breakdown

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of cohabitation?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced legal protections

Answer

Increased financial stability

Answer

Improved communication and emotional support

Answer

Greater flexibility and freedom

Question 11

Which of these is a major issue that families in the UK face today?

Accepted Answer

Financial difficulties

Accepted Answer

Finding a good home to live in

Accepted Answer

Parents feeling stressed and struggling to balance work and family life

Answer

Getting a good education

Question 12

Which factor does NOT contribute to the increase in divorce rates in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Improved access to affordable childcare

Answer

Relaxed divorce laws

Answer

Changing societal attitudes towards marriage

Answer

Increased financial independence of women

Question 13

What is the term used for a couple living together in a long-term, intimate relationship without being legally married?

Accepted Answer

Cohabitation

Answer

Civil partnership

Answer

Registered partnership

Question 14

Which of the following is a consequence of the increase in single parenthood?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of poverty and social exclusion

Answer

Stronger family bonds

Answer

Improved educational outcomes for children

Question 15

Which type of family structure features two working parents and children?

Accepted Answer

Dual-earner family

Answer

Extended family

Answer

Nuclear family

Question 16

What is a potential benefit of increasing diversity in family structures?

Accepted Answer

Recognition and acceptance of diverse lifestyles

Answer

Lower levels of happiness and well-being

Answer

Increased adherence to traditional family values

Question 17

What is the fundamental argument presented by functionalists regarding the changing family in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The family continues to fulfill essential functions for society, though in evolving ways.

Answer

The family is in inevitable decline and will eventually cease to exist.

Answer

The family is becoming increasingly individualistic and self-centered.

Question 18

What is the central argument presented by conflict theorists regarding the changing family in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The family is a site of conflict and inequality, echoing broader social divisions.

Answer

The family is a fundamental institution for maintaining social order and stability.

Answer

The family is a haven of love and support, providing a refuge from the outside world.

Question 19

Which criticism of the conflict perspective on the changing family is valid?

Accepted Answer

It may overstate the prevalence of conflict and inequality within families.

Answer

It assumes that all families are identical.

Answer

It ignores the positive aspects of family life.