Changing family patterns

Divorce

The legal termination of a marriage between two people.

Changing patterns of divorce

Since 1960s, great increase in divorce, number of divorces doubled between 1961 and 1969, and doubled again by 1972. But, this is falling from 1990s because less ppl are marrying.

Explanations for the increase in divorce - Changes in the law

Law has made the access for divorce easier. Equalising the grounds(in 1923), widening the grounds(1971 can divorce for ‘irretrievable breakdown’) and making divorce cheaper(legal aid in 1949).

Explanations for the increase in divorce - Declining stigma and changing attitudes

Refers to the negative label, social disapproval or shame attached to a person, action or relationship. In the past divorce was stigmatised, e.g churches tended to condemn divorce and refused to marry divorcees. Mitchell + Goody - important change since the 1960s has been rapid decline in stigma. Divorce more socially acceptable, and more willing to resort to it.

Explanations for the increase in divorce - Secularisation

Decline of religion in society, traditional values of the church are holding less influence, such as the Catholic Church which condemns divorce. And less people are influenced by religious teachings, and some churches are softening their view on divorce.

Explanations for the increase in divorce - Rising expectations of marriage

Makes people less willing to tolerate an unhappy marriage. An idea about romantic love is prominent now, where the idea has raised that marriage should be solely raised on love, and peoples love ‘dies’. And, people now look for personal fulfillment, which if not received, they divorce.