Marriage, Divorce and Family Diversity: Divorce

Question 1

What was the peak year for divorce rate?

Answer 1

1987

Question 2

The median duration of marriage has been rising since…

Answer 2

Since the mid 1990s.

Question 3

What are the factors that explain the increase in divorce?

Answer 3

1. Changes in the law.
2. Declining stigma.
3. Secularisation (refers to the declining significance of religion in society).
4. Capitalism.

Question 4

1. Why do changes in the law lead to the increase in divorce?
   For example, the 1969 Divorce Reform Act…

Answer 4

• Gradually becoming easier over time.
• 1969 Divorce Reform Act - ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’ became a legitimate reason for divorce, before one person had to be at fault (e.g. having an affair).

Question 5

2. How does declining stigma lead to an increase in divorce?

Answer 5

• Divorce no longer seen as shameful → can be celebrated.
• Divorce parties and divorce cakes.

Question 6

3. How does secularisation lead to an increase in divorce?

Answer 6

• Decreased church weddings, increased ‘civil ceremonies’. → Marriage is no longer seen as a ‘religious vow before God’.
• Remaining married is less likely to be seen as a ‘sacred duty’. It is not generally seen as something you must do because it is God’s will = easier to get divorced.

Question 7

Why does capitalism lead to an increase in divorce?

Answer 7

• Our consumerist, capitalist culture has encouraged people to act as “shoppers” - comparing alternatives, constantly trying to get a better deal.
• Capitalism also affects women - they postpone childbearing because they prefer to develop careers provided by capitalist organisations.
• When they become mothers, most women keep working because work has become a part of self-fulfilment. This puts an increasing strain on relationships.

Question 8

What did Beck and Beck-Gernsheim state about postmodernism and divorce?

Answer 8

Rising divorce rates are a result of a rapidly changing and postmodern world. Traditional rules of love, romance and relationships no longer apply. The postmodern world is characterised by 3 important influences:
- Individualisation.
- Conflict.
- Choice.

Question 9

What is the impact of divorce on family diversity?

Answer 9

• One parent families.
• New right ideas on one parent families.
• Criticisms of these ideas.
• Reconstituted families.

Question 10

What are reasons for the decline in divorce rate?

Answer 10

• Marriage rate has declined = less divorce.
• Economic reasons - it’s cheaper to stay together in one house.
• Immigration - immigrants are less likely to get divorced.