“Family is transforming from a fixed structure to a fluid process in liquid modernity.” Analyse this transition through the lenses of Bauman and contemporary family studies.

Family Structure Transitions - An analysis

1.> "Liquid" Families: Bauman's analysis focuses on "liquidity", showcasing breakdown of traditional norms and impermanence of family relationships.

egs family as sacrament → family as a contract.

2.> "Post-modern" family structures : Judith Stacey points out that family structures are no longer bound by traditional, heteronormative norms but rather show great variations -

(i) single person households (ii) single parent families - typically female headed, often economically marginalized. (iii) Blended / reconstituted families (iv) Double Income No Kids (DINK) family (v) Bean pole families - with multiple generation on one side (father's / mother's) cohabiting together. (vi) Living apart together - occupational mobility may lead to separate residences in different cities.

3.> "Plastic sexuality" and "Pure relationships": Giddens points out that sexuality has been dissociated from reproduction (plastic sexuality). Less stigma on divorce means that people choose to stay in relationships only out of choice for mutual company (pure relationships).

This explains rising divorce rates.

4.> Societal "risks" and marriage: Ulrich Beck and Elizabeth Beck-Gernsheim argue that - (i) increasing uncertainties of risk society (ii) individualism and aspiration (iii) lack of social support due to nuclearization is placing strain on family and marriage life. Absence of love and search for it leads to serial monogamy, pre-marital and post-marital cohabitation.

5.> Prevalence of "chosen family": Cheshire Calhoun points out that LGBTQIA+ couples constitute "chosen family" where child rearing is practised without strict sexual division of labour.

6.> Family Practices Approach, Diversity of family structures and absence of ideal typical families has led David Morgan to argue that study of family should be about family practices and interactions rather than family structure.

7.> Indian Perspective