Social Constructionism

This essay will illustrate the diversity and change within modern family structures over the past thirty years, whilst identifying ways in which these changes may have impacted upon young people and the subsequent implications for workers undertaking direct work with young people.

It will demonstrate an understanding and offer examples of how social constructionism helps us interpret the meaning of the society we live in at any given time. Social constructionists argue that reality, the everyday meanings applied to our existence is constructed by social, cultural, economic, political and religious processes. These processes historically are changeable, giving different definition to society at different points in times. Therefore our attitudes, understanding and expectations of society and issues within it will be influenced by the meanings attached.

Firstly there has been a marked increase in single parent families. In the UK in 1995 there were an estimated 1:4 families headed by a single parent, the majority (but by no means all) of whom are women in the 16:24 age group (Wilkinson and Mulgan 1995). Historically there have always been single parent families, but what has changed is societies attitudes, perceptions and

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For young people who have resided within families where the boundaries are either too rigid or too flexible conflict may have arisen, resulting in young people leaving the family ill equipped and ill prepared to live independently. Therefore the political expectations and opinions on the ‘normal family’ are not going to reflect the experiences of a vast number of young people. It is likely that both parents work and the division of household labour and childcare more evenly distributed. However, these changes may result in fewer rules and boundaries within the home. In most European countries the increase has been greater amongst males than amongst females. For instance young males may seek their status within society by being in full time employment, thus being unemployed may evoke feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.

The impact of these changes in young people’s lives will be diverse, dependent upon their experiences, expectations and opportunities. Thus leaving young people increasingly dependent upon statutory and voluntary organisations for practical, emotional and financial advice, assistance and support, if there is a breakdown in family relationships or it is not considered in the best interests of the child to remain within the family. They also appear to reach significant life stages earlier than their middle class peers i. Difficulties could be experienced in establishing ground rules or they may be ever changing due to frequent re-negotiation leading to arguments and conflict within the home. The Act demonstrates how societies understanding, attitudes and values have changed towards children. Discussion, negotiation and compromise are often an integral part of the parent/child relationship, with young people having greater autonomy and responsibility than their parents. This may result in relationships with parents/partners being less stable and secure than previously. beliefs attached to adults and children living within such units, whether through unforeseen circumstances, limited life opportunities or personal choice.

Approximate Word count = 1563
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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