A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What significant change in relationships does Giddens attribute to the period of late modernity?

1. Reduction in marriage rates

2. Increased stability in relationships

3. Shift from traditional to more fluid relationships

4. Return to arranged marriages

The correct answer is: Shift from traditional to more fluid relationships

Giddens attributes a significant change in relationships to the period of late modernity, specifically identifying a shift from traditional to more fluid relationships. In late modernity, individualization becomes a prominent feature, allowing people to redefine their relationships based less on societal norms and more on personal choice and emotional fulfillment. This leads to a greater diversity in relationship styles, such as cohabitation, same-sex partnerships, and less rigidly defined roles within relationships. In this context, relationships are often marked by their fluidity, where individuals may seek out multiple partnerships or choose to remain single, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards personal agency and autonomy in romantic life. This change contrasts sharply with more traditional views of relationships, which were often bound by specific expectations, legal structures, and societal pressures. Overall, Giddens highlights how the dynamics of relationships have evolved to embrace flexibility and subjective experiences, aligning with the key elements of late modernity in a sociological frame.