Changing Patterns of Divorce

Question 1

What are some trends in divorce?

Answer 1

• 42% of marriages end in divorce
• The divorce rate has increased compared to 30 years ago
• The divorce rate has declined slightly over the past 10 years, but is still high

Question 2

What are some reasons for increase in divorce?

Answer 2

• Changes in law - Divorce reform act (1969) widened the ground for divorce (to include irretrievable breakdown), waiting time for a divorce decreased from 3 - 1 years
• Changing attitudes - More acceptable to divorce
• Changing position of women - Greater financial independence

Question 3

What are the sociological views on divorce?

Answer 3

Functionalist - Divorce can lead to fewer dysfunctional families and greater harmony. Divorce creates jobs to help the economy. Divorce shows people to have higher expectations of marriage

Marxist - Divorce is more common in working-class families due to stress and inequality caused by capitalism.

Feminist - Divorce can be positive to allow women to escape patriarchal relationships