Changes to Adult Relationships Flashcards
How many couples marry each year in the UK?
200,000
What percentage of UK adults co-habit?
12.5%
How many marriages end in divorce?
2/5 or 40%
What are the 5 reasons are there fore changing adult relationships?
- changing to the divorce law
- declining stigma
- secularisation
- rising expectations of marriage
- changing position of women
How have changes to divorce law affected adult relationships?
Divorce not available until 1857. Partners had to prove that a matrimonial offence had been committed. Men only had to prove “one offence” whereas women had to prove men had committed at least two.
Gender divide was repealed with acts in 1923 and 1937 where the list of reasons was extended.
Which divorce law has the most effect on adult relationships and why?
The Divorce Act of 1969. Removed the matrimonial offence clause and acknowledged that marriages essentially break down. Fall out of love e.c.t.
What did divorces rise to after the 1969 Divorce Act?
1968 = 46,000 1972 = 119,000
How have divorce laws affected marriage rates and cohabitation in adult relationships?
Created a fear of divorce as it was easily obtained. Average marriage lasting 12 years. More and more couples choosing to cohabit instead
Evaluation of the view that changes to divorce law have led to a rise in divorce and decline in marriage?
- people don’t get divorced for the sake of it.
- feminisation of the economy has made women more independent.
How has declining stigma changed adult relationships according to Mitchell and Goody (1997)?
In the past couples would of tolerated empty shell marriages to save face rather than admitting their marriage had failed. However nowadays it is more common to celebrate divorce with companies producing cards.
For women who entered their 30s without being married were referred to as spinsters. However the genderquake means women feel less pressure to rush into marriage.
In the past, living together before marriage was a big no. Hoteliers would refuse access if so… now ONS reports 90% of couples live together before marriage indicating that the stigma of doing so has declined.
Evaluation of the view that declining stigma has been a major cause for declining marriage rates and an increase in divorce?
- divorce is still not ideal (cost)
- not all communities allow couples to cohabit
How has secularisation changed adult relationships?
Refers to a decline in religious authority. A study by the Association of Religion found that 30% of people do not associate with a group. Fewer weddings now have a Christian service. Decline in religion may make people place less value on marriage leading to a decline in it.
Living together and sex before marriage was originally a sin but a decline in religion means this therefore is not the case.
The CoE has softened its view on divorce meaning it is now willing to hold weddings where the participants have previously been married. Religion is no longer a factor of peoples decision making process and are therefore more free to do what they want.
Evaluation of the view that secularisation is a major cause of declining marriage rates and increasing divorce?
- some communities are still affected by religious values.
- marriage is influenced by love not religion
How has rising expectations of marriage changed adult relationships according to Fletcher (1966)?
Fletcher (1966) claims that rising expectations have affected adult relationships. Created a culture of romantic love in which people expect to be treated with love, care, and respect. Could lead to an increase in divorce as people are less willing to remain in relationships that do not satisfy their needs.
How has rising expectations of marriage changed adult relationships according to Allen and Crow (2001)?
Adds that martial relationships are now based upon commitment and if these things do not happen, the relationship will be terminated.
