Changing Family Patterns

What percentage of marriages in the UK end in divorce?

Approximately 40%

Who initiates 7 out of 10 divorce applications in the UK?

Women

What were the three main changes in divorce law in the UK?

Equalising grounds of divorce, widening grounds of divorce, and making divorce cheaper.

What does the term 'stigma' refer to in the context of divorce?

The negative label, social disapproval, or shame attached to a person, action, or relationship.

What has happened to the stigma associated with divorce in recent years?

It has declined, making divorce more socially acceptable.

What does secularisation refer to in the context of divorce?

The decline of religious influence in society, leading to softened views on divorce.

How have rising expectations of marriage affected divorce rates?

Higher expectations linked to the ideology of 'Romantic Love' lead to divorce if love fades.

What impact does women's financial independence have on divorce rates?

Women are more likely to work, leading to more arguments and a higher likelihood of divorce.

What did Hochschild (1997) find regarding women's feelings about home compared to work?

Women often feel more valued at work than at home.

What is the 'dual burden' as described by Sigle-Rushton (2007)?

Women balancing paid work and domestic responsibilities, leading to higher divorce rates.

What is the perspective of functionalists on high divorce rates?

They view it as undesirable but reflective of high expectations in marriage.

How do feminists view high divorce rates?

As a sign of women's liberation and breaking free from patriarchal oppression.

What is the trend in marriage rates since 1972?

Marriage rates have been falling, but remarriages are increasing.

What is 'serial monogamy'?

The practice of marrying, divorcing, and remarrying multiple times.

What is cohabitation?

A couple in a sexual relationship living together without being married.

How many cohabiting heterosexual couples are there in Britain?

Approximately 3.5 million.

What has contributed to the increase in cohabitation?

Declining stigma, changing attitudes, and women's independence.

What percentage of adults have same-sex relationships?

Approximately 5-7%.

How has the law changed regarding same-sex relationships?

Homosexuality was decriminalised, granting rights similar to heterosexual couples.

What does Weeks (1999) argue about same-sex relationships?

Increased social acceptance leads them to behave more like heterosexual relationships.

What is the average age of marriage for men and women in 2012?

36.5 years for men and 34 years for women.

What is the impact of secularisation on marriage ceremonies?

Only 30% of couples get married in churches due to declining religious influence.

What is the personal life perspective on divorce?

It suggests that divorce's impact depends on individual circumstances.

What are the potential negative effects of divorce on children?

Financial difficulties and issues of contact between parents and children.

What does the term 'normalised divorce' imply?

Divorce has become a common and accepted part of family life.

What is the relationship between cohabitation and marriage?

Cohabitation is often seen as a trial marriage or a permanent arrangement.

What term describes the networks formed by homosexuals as an alternative to traditional family structures?

'Chosen families' or 'kinship networks'

What percentage of people lived alone in 2013?

3 in 10 people (7.7 million)

What demographic trend is projected for the adult population by 2033?

Over 30% of the adult population will be single.

What is the average age of women at the birth of their first child in 2019?

30.7 years

What percentage of children in the UK are born outside of marriage as of the latest statistics?

48.5%

What is the current average number of children a woman has in the UK?

1.85 children

What percentage of families in the UK are lone parent families?

24%

What proportion of lone parent families are headed by mothers?

90%

What does Charles Murray argue is a consequence of the welfare state on lone parenthood?

It creates a 'perverse incentive' and a 'dependency culture'.

What is a 'perverse incentive' in the context of lone-parent families?

When government support encourages irresponsible behavior, such as having children without being financially ready.

What is the percentage of stepfamilies among families with dependent children in the UK?

Over 10%

What challenges do stepfamilies face according to Ferri and Smith (1998)?

They tend to be at a greater risk of poverty.

What is the significance of ethnic diversity in family structures in the UK?

It has led to more family diversity.

What is a common characteristic of Black families in the UK?

Higher proportion of lone-parent families, primarily headed by mothers.

What is the average household size for Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian families?

4.4, 4.3, and 3 persons respectively.

What does Brannen (2003) describe as the 'beanpole family'?

Long and thin families extended through three generations.

What demographic changes have contributed to the rise of beanpole families?

Increased life expectancy and small family sizes.

What role do women typically play in providing family support?

Women tend to provide more family support than men due to feeling more responsible.

What percentage of people have given or received financial help from relatives according to Finch & Mason (1993)?

90%

What is the trend regarding obligations to extended family members?

Despite the rise of beanpoles, many still feel obligations to their extended family.

What is the impact of living alone on poverty rates for children in lone-parent families?

A child living with a lone parent is twice as likely to live in poverty.

What does Cashmore (1985) suggest about some working-class mothers?

Some choose to live on welfare benefits without a partner.

What is the significance of 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships?

About 10% of those living alone are in a relationship but not cohabiting.

What has changed in the demographic of lone parents since the 1990s?

The majority are now never married women rather than divorced women.

What is the trend regarding the stigma of births outside marriage?

There has been a decline in stigma associated with births outside marriage.