A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What concept did Anthony Giddens and others associate with late 20th-century families?

1. Preservation of traditional family values

2. Transformation of intimacy

3. Decline of marriage rates

4. Establishment of patriarchal norms

The correct answer is: Transformation of intimacy

The concept associated with Anthony Giddens and others regarding late 20th-century families is the transformation of intimacy. In their work, particularly Giddens’ discussions around “The Transformation of Intimacy," they argue that the nature of personal relationships and family structures has significantly evolved due to various social changes, including increased individualism and globalization. This transformation implies a shift from traditional, fixed forms of relationships to more fluid and individualized connections. Giddens highlights how personal relationships have become centered around emotional satisfaction and personal fulfillment rather than solely on economic necessity or social structures, which were more prominent in earlier family forms. For example, the rise of 'pure' relationships—those based on mutual satisfaction and choice—reflects this transformation. Thus, this choice accurately captures the essence of the changing dynamics within families during this time period, reflecting broader sociocultural shifts that influence how intimacy is understood and experienced today.