Sociology : Family : Divorce

1930-1990, divorces have ___ as a result of legal changes and attitudes.

• Increased

• Decreased

Society has become less religious and the social stigma relating to divorce has been lost. Divorce reform Act- no fault divorces. Growth in welfare state. Increased opportunities for marital stress and conflict. Increasing debt and pressure to have a high material living standards.

• Social Attitudes and Secularisation

• Opportunities to escape Marriage

Three factors to consider:

1. Opportunities to escape marriage
2. Opportunities for increase conflict and stress
3. Changing values concerning marriage

• Nicky Hart

• Allan & Crow

• Fletcher

• Goode

Suggest that evidence shows a significantly higher number of cohabitations.

• Fletcher

• Nicky Hart

• Goode

• Allan & Crow

Argue that marriage is a relationship than an agreement. Couples look for love and satisfaction and recognise marriage doesn't have to last forever.

• Goode

• Allan & Crow

• Fletcher

• Nicky Hart

Argues that people have higher expectations of marriage than before. Those who don't achieve the high level of expectations of companionship and love may be inclined to leave and start again.

• Goode

• Allan & Crow

• Nicky Hart

• Fletcher

Argues that in the past people married for practical reasons, if partners did not love each other it wasn't a problem. Women are less prepared to put up with loveless marriages.

• Allan & Crow

• Goode

• Fletcher

• Nicky Hart

1969

• Divorce Reform Act

• Legal to re-marry in churches

1991

• Divorce Reform Act

• Legal to re-marry in churches