Changing family patterns Flashcards
When did the rate of marriage first start declining
1970’s despite the population increase
What year had the lowest number oh heterosexual weddings since records began
2017
How is secularisation an explanation for decline in marriage rates
The declining significance of religion in UK society could have contributed to the declining popularity of marriage. For many, marriage is no longer a religious ceremony, and there is no social stigma associated with cohabitation (couples living together without being married) which was once thought of as “living in sin”.
How is divorce rates an explanation for the decline in marriage rates
there has been a dramatic increase in the number of divorces. This could have had the effect of putting people off getting married, as so many end in divorce.
How is expenses and explanation for declining marriage rates
Apparently the average wedding in the UK costs over £27,000.
What was giddens pure relationship about
about the quest today for the perfect relationship which again could put some off getting married if they’re always imagining a better relationship is around the corner. The role of marriage has changed, certainly, as it is all about the perfect relationship rather than the financial security that particularly women used to use the institution for in earlier periods.
What was the average age for a man and woman to get married in 2014
Men:37
Women :34.6
What was the average age for a man and woman to get married in 1974
Men:29
Women:26
How is secularisation and explanation for delaying marriage
Again, because there is less stigma attached to cohabitation, increasingly people may “try before you buy” and marry after a successful period of cohabitation.
How is women’s careers an explanation for delaying marriage
While women in particular may have seen marriage as a necessary rite of passage from being dependent on one’s father to having the security of a husband, this is no longer a relevant concept in modern Britain. Today women expect to have careers and independent financial security and can therefore afford to delay marriage and settling down.
Why is living longer and explanation of delaying marriage
People are living longer and therefore later marriages are not shorter marriages (unless they end in divorce).
What happened in 1969
The divorce reform act. Making divorce much easier. It also made it equally easy for women to obtain a divorce as a man.
How did legislative changes contribute to rising divorce rates
The 1969 act is one of a number of reforms that have made divorce easier over the years and have seen a subsequent increase in divorces.
How does secularisation contribute to rising divorce rates
While people have taken vows such as “what God has brought together let no man put asunder” divorce is a very big deal. But it might seem less so when it is viewed more as a legal contract that can be legally terminated. Also there is less religious or social stigma attached to being a divorcee than there used to be.
How did female emancipation contribute to rising divorce rates
In the past women would fear divorce because of the financial risk of losing their husband. Today however women are much more likely to have independent finances and be able to manage on their own.
How did child support contribute to rising divorce rates
women know that men will be expected to pay maintenance to their children.
How did the pure relationship contribute to rising divorce rates
Giddens’ concept of the pure relationship and people using relationships as part of their self-identity and experiencing serial monogamy is highly relevant here. People do not necessarily expect their marriages to last forever but rather seek perfection.
