2 ways social change has impacted divorce rates

10 marks

Paragraph 1: Changing role and expectations of women

Point:

• One way social change has impacted divorce rates is through the changing role and expectations of women.

Explain:

• Women now have greater independence, higher participation in the labour market. This has made them less financially dependent on men and more willing to leave unsatisfactory relationships.

Evidence:

• Divorce rate roughly 50%

• Giddens, talked about ‘pure relationships’ based on emotional satisfaction

Analysis:

• Furthermore, due to this changing role of women, they now have higher expectations so if they are not satisfied they will leave.

Paragraph 2: Secularisation and declining influence of religion

Define secularisation.

Point:

• Another way social change has impacted divorce rates is through secularisation and the declining social influence of religion.

Explain:

• As society becomes more secular (spread of liberal values), traditional religious norms that emphasise the sanctity of marriage and discourage have weakened. People now place personal happiness over religious teachings about lifelong commitment

Evidence:

• Wilson (secularisation thesis) decline in church attendance means religious moral values holds less power over behaviour.

Analysis:

• With less stigma and fewer religious barriers, couples feel freer to end unhappy marriages. Divorce is increasingly seen as a normal solution rather than a moral failure, contributing to its rise.

What is social change?

A shift in attitudinal patterns

Tips

Link back to the question, explain every point and give nuanced points