Topic 2- Family [Lesson 12]

Question 1

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What percentage of marriages end in divorce?

Answer 1

40%

Question 2

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What is a new alternative to marriage?

Answer 2

Cohabitation

Question 3

Changing Patterns- Divorce

Which gender sends the most petitions for divorce and why?

Answer 3

-Women (65%)
-Because of their husbands unreasonable behaviour

Question 4

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What are some explanations for the rise in divorce?

Answer 4

-Changes in Law
-Decline in stigma
-Secularisation
-Rising expectations of marriage
-Women’s increased financial independence
-Feminism
-Modernity and Individualisation

Question 5

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What do New Right sociologists say about the high divorce rate?

Answer 5

-It is undesirable as it undermines marriage as an institution
-Creates a lot of lone-mothers who are seen as a ‘burden to the state’, young boys are left without a proper role model
-Children end up with poorer health and educational outcomes

Question 6

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What do Feminist sociologists say about the high divorce rate?

Answer 6

-It is desirable as women are breaking free from patriarchal oppression

Question 7

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What do post-modernists say about the high divorce rate?

Answer 7

-It shows people now have more freedom to leave relationships if they need to
-Creates a greater family diversity

Question 8

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What do functionalists say about the high divorce rate?

Answer 8

-Not necessarily a threat to marriage as an institution but it just means people have higher expectations of marriage
-The re-marriage rates show the continuing commitment to marriage

Question 9

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What do interactionists say about the high divorce rate?

Answer 9

Morgan= we cannot generalise the meaning of divorce because it is different to everyone

Question 10

Changing Patterns- Divorce

What does the Personal life perspective say about the high divorce rate?

Answer 10

-It accepts that divorce can cause problems, for example, financially or with children
Smart= argues divorce has been ‘normalised’ and that family life can adapt to it without falling apart, divorce should be seen as a transition in life course and not a social problem