The Meaning of a High Divorce Rate

Question 1

New Right

Answer 1

• see a high divorce rate as undesirable because it undermines marriage and the traditional nuclear family which they regard as vital to social stability
• in their view a high divorce rate creates a growing underclass of welfare dependant female lone parents who are a burden on the state and it leaves boys without the adult male role model they need. They believe it also results in poorer health and educational outcomes for children.

Question 2

Feminists

Answer 2

• see a high divorce rate as desirable because it shows that women are breaking free from the oppression of the patriarchal nuclear family

Question 3

Functionalists

Answer 3

• high divorce rate is not necessarily a threat to marriage as a social institution.
• it is simply the result of peoples higher expectations of marriage today.
• the high rate of re marriage shows people’s continuing commitment to the idea of marriage.