marriage and divorce

Argues that postmodernity is characterised by increasing emphasis on individual choices or individualisations.

• Beck

• Joan Chandler

• LAMBERT

Feminisation of the labour force- the gender quake.

• LAMBERT

• FLOUR AND BUCHANON

• WILKINSON

Marriage is no longer economically necessary for women so fewer are choosing to get married.

• FLOUR AND BUCHANON

• LEWIS

• GIDDENS

There has been government and EU policy encouraging women back into work, especially with those with children.

This has changed family life as women can financially support themselves and their children

• LEWIS

• FLOUR AND BUCHANON

• LAMBERT

Confluent love- women look for soul mates and they won’t settle till they find it, but men aren’t socialised to give this.

Women are also happy to be on their own.

• GIDDENS

• MORGAN

• DREW

Suggests the reason we cohabit / choose not to marry because they are scared of divorce.

• Morgan

• Giddens

• Drew

Opportunities to escape marriage:

factors to consider:

1. Opportunities to escape marriage- divorce

reform act

2. Opportunities

for increase conflict and stress

3. Changing

values concerning marriage

• Nicky Hart

• Fletcher

• Alan and Crow

• Goode

Argue that marriage is a relationship rather than an agreement, couple look for love and satisfaction and recognise marriage doesn’t have to last forever.

• Fletcher

• Alan and Crow

• Goode

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.

• Fletcher

• Goode

• Alan and Crow

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.

• Goode

• Fletcher

• Alan and Crow