Divorce

Question 1

Divorce Reform Act 1969
(before and after)

Answer 1

Before: Only accessible for rich men
After: Marriage could end if it was proved to be broken down

Question 2

Reasons for the increase in divorce rate (5)

Answer 2

1. Changing role of women
2. Secularisation
3. Increasing life expectancy
4. Change in social attitude
5. Contraception

Question 3

Economic Factors of divorce

Answer 3

w/c get paid less so both partners need to work which puts a strain on marriage

Question 4

Divorce rates are higher among what social class? why?

Answer 4

Working class
w/c get paid less so both partners need to work which puts a strain on marriage

Question 5

Functionalism on increasing divorce rate (3)

Answer 5

• Conflict has increased as there is less support from other relatives (more work)
• Family performs fewer functions = weaker bond between couples
• Family is no longer an economic unit so its easier to break up

Question 6

New Right on increasing divorce rate

Answer 6

Benefits/ gov support show single parents will have support if they divorce
- See it increasing as a wider moral decline

Question 7

Feminism on increasing divorce rate (2)
Giddens

Answer 7

• Women are less financially dependent on their husbands
• contraception allows women to avoid unwanted pregnancies = free to leave

Question 8

Postmodernism on increasing divorce rate (4)

Answer 8

Religion and traditional values have declined = less social values to force people staying married
- Less stigma around divorce
- Sex can be for pleasure not just for reproduction/marital partner
- More opportunities (marriage may hold people back)