Soc 120: Marriage and the Family Lecture 20: Divorce Effects

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the effects of divorce on families as discussed in the lecture.

Cohabitation

Living together in a sexual relationship without being married, which is a strong predictor of divorce.

Legal Divorce

The official dissolution of a marriage by a court, often involving separation of assets and custody arrangements.

Marital Conflict

Disagreements and disputes between spouses, often a precursor to separation and divorce.

Selection vs Causation

The debate over whether observed outcomes (e.g., lower test scores of children from divorced families) are due to divorce itself or pre-existing conditions that led to divorce.

Alimony

Financial support provided to an ex-spouse after divorce, increasingly rare in modern settlements.

Parenting Coordination

Co-parenting strategies where divorced or separated parents cooperate to raise their children.

Short-term Consequences for Kids

Emotional turmoil experienced by children during the crisis period of divorce, including depression and behavior problems.

Long-term Consequences for Kids

Potential ongoing effects of divorce on children, including impacts on mental health and educational attainment.

Child Support

Payments made by a non-custodial parent to assist with the upbringing of their child post-divorce.

Emotional Upheaval

A state of intense emotional disturbance or disorder experienced by spouses during and after the divorce process.