Changing Family Patterns

Question 1

Approximately how many marriages end in divorce in the UK?

Answer 1

40%

Question 2

What are the reasons for increase in divorce?
(There’s 5)

Answer 2

1. Changed in the law
2. Declining stigma & changing attitudes
3. Secularisation
   4.Rising expectations of marriage
4. Women’s increased financial independence

Question 3

How does changes in law explain increase in divorce?

Answer 3

Divorce used to be extremely difficult to obtain in 19th century Britain, especially for women

Question 4

How does declining stigma increase divorce?

Answer 4

Divorcees have been stigmatised in the past. This stigma has declined & divorce is now more socially acceptable ( Mitchell & goody 1997)

Question 5

How has secularisation increased divorce?

Answer 5

The decline of religious influence in society has allowed for divorce to not be as significant

Question 6

How has rising expectations of marriage increased divorce?

Answer 6

‘Romantic love’ is now the main reason for people to marry - therefore if love dies, so does the marriage

Question 7

How has women’s increased financial independence increased divorce rates

Answer 7

More arguments between spouses now that women are in paid work

Question 8

Who argues that there are higher expectations are now placed on marriage

Answer 8

Fletcher (1966)

Question 9

What does Hochschild (1997) show?

Answer 9

Found that for many women home compared unfavourably with work, where women feel valued.