A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which factors have contributed to the rise of family diversity?

1. Simplified social norms and traditional roles

2. Postindustrial labor conditions and globalization

3. Increased governmental stability

4. Higher mortality rates

The correct answer is: Postindustrial labor conditions and globalization

The rise of family diversity can primarily be attributed to postindustrial labor conditions and globalization. In postindustrial societies, there has been a shift from traditional manufacturing jobs to service-oriented roles, which has facilitated greater women's participation in the workforce. This economic change allows for different family forms to emerge as families adapt to new social and economic realities. Globalization also plays a significant role as it encourages cultural exchange and the blending of different lifestyles, which can lead to varied family structures, such as single-parent families, cohabiting couples, and families formed through migration. As societies become more interconnected, the acceptance of diverse family types increases, further contributing to family diversity. Other options may not adequately capture the complexity of family dynamics today. For example, while simplified social norms and traditional roles might suggest a movement away from diversity, the reality is that modern society often embraces a wide variety of family forms as social norms evolve. Increased governmental stability might support some family structures, but it does not directly lead to increased diversity. Higher mortality rates could also lead to changes in family structure, but this tendency is more about reactions to loss rather than a proactive increase in diversity. Thus, the combination of postindustrial labor conditions and globalization offers the most comprehensive explanation for the rise of family