changing family patterns

• What is the definition of divorce?

  Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage.
• How has divorce impacted family patterns?

  Divorce has a major impact on changing family patterns and influencing greater family diversity.
• What trend has been observed in the number of divorces in the UK since the 1960s?

  There has been a great increase in the number of divorces in the United Kingdom.
• What has happened to the general trend in marriages since the 1960s?

  The general trend in marriages has declined.
• What has contributed to the increase in divorces?

  The general trend in divorces has increased as it has become more accessible for different types of people and relationship dynamics.
• What did the Matrimonial Causes Act 1923 allow?

  The Matrimonial Causes Act 1923 allowed either partner to petition for divorce on the grounds of adultery.
• What additional grounds for divorce were introduced by the Matrimonial Causes Act 1937?

  The Matrimonial Causes Act 1937 introduced cruelty, desertion, and incurable insanity as grounds for divorce.
• What significant change did the Divorce Reform Act 1969 bring?

  The Divorce Reform Act 1969 added irretrievable breakdown as a ground for divorce, which doubled the divorce rate.
• What did legal aid introduced in 1949 enable?

  Legal aid enabled people who were struggling financially to get a divorce.
• What are alternative solutions to an unhappy marriage besides divorce?

  • Dissolution: one partner leaves but they remain legally married.
  • Legal separation: court separates financial and legal affairs but they remain married.
  • Empty shell marriage: couple lives together but remains married in name only.
• What significant change regarding stigma and divorce did Juliet Mitchell and Jack Goody note?

  They noted a rapid decline in the stigma attached to divorce since the 1960s.
• What does stigma refer to in the context of divorce?

  Stigma refers to the negative label, social disapproval, or shame attached to a person, action, or relationship.
• How has the perception of divorce changed over time?

  As stigma declines, divorce becomes more acceptable and is often regarded as a misfortune rather than something shameful.
• What modern trend has emerged regarding divorce celebrations?

  Nowadays, people often celebrate divorce, such as throwing divorce parties.
• What does secularisation refer to?

  Secularisation refers to the decline in the influence of religion in society.
• How has secularisation affected views on divorce?

  Secularisation has likely influenced the traditional opposition of churches to divorce, leading to softened views on divorce and divorcees.
• Which religions still stigmatize divorce?

  In Islam and Catholicism, divorces are still stigmatised.
• What was the church's stance on Harry and Megan's marriage in 2019?

  Harry and Megan's marriage was stigmatised by the church because Megan had supposedly already been married.
• How are relationships often portrayed in the media?

  Relationships are often presented as always happy, exclusive, idealistic, and based on love at first sight.
• What do functionalist sociologists like Ronald Fletcher argue about divorce rates?

  They argue that increasing divorce rates are due to unrealistic expectations of relationships shaped by media portrayals.
• How did marriage expectations differ in the past compared to today?

  In the past, individuals had little choice over whom they married, and marriages were often based on economic factors rather than romance.
• What is the modern view of marriage regarding personal fulfillment?

  Today, marriage is increasingly viewed as a relationship where individuals seek personal fulfillment, leading to higher divorce rates if they do not find it.
• Why are women increasingly willing to file for divorce?

  Women are increasingly willing to file for divorce due to their improved economic position, making them less financially dependent on their husbands.
• What was the proportion of women in paid work in 2013 and 2023?

  The proportion of women in paid work was 67% in 2013 and 72% in 2023.
• How have equal pay laws affected women’s financial independence?

  Equal pay laws have helped to lower the pay gap, contributing to women's financial independence.
• How has women's success in education impacted their economic situation?

  Women's greater success in education has enabled them to obtain good jobs that pay well.
• What role do welfare benefits play in women's ability to divorce?

  The availability of welfare benefits has helped support women, enabling them to support themselves in the event of a divorce.
• What do Allan and Crow state about marriage and the economic system?

  Allan and Crow state that marriage is less embedded within the economic system, meaning spouses are not dependent on each other economically.
• What do feminists argue about the dual burden faced by married women?

  Feminists argue that married women bear a dual burden of paid work and domestic labor, leading to conflict and increased divorce rates.
• What does Arlie Hochschild suggest about women's experiences at home compared to work?

  Hochschild suggests that many women find home unfavorable compared to work, where they feel valued.
• What does Sigle-Rushton suggest about mothers and divorce petitions?

  Sigle-Rushton suggests that mothers are more likely to petition for divorce than women in relationships with a traditional division of labor.
• What did Cooke and Gash find regarding working women and divorce?

  Cooke and Gash found no evidence that working women are more likely to divorce, suggesting it has become an accepted norm for women.
• What do Beck and Giddens argue about traditional norms in modern society?

  Beck and Giddens argue that traditional norms, such as the duty to remain with the same partner for life, lose their hold over individuals in modern society.
• What is the individualisation thesis proposed by Beck and Giddens?

  The individualisation thesis suggests that individuals are free to pursue their self-interest, leading to more fragile relationships.
• What is a "pure relationship" according to Giddens?

  A "pure relationship" focuses solely on satisfying each partner's needs rather than fulfilling a duty.
• How does the pursuit of personal fulfillment affect divorce rates?

  The pursuit of personal fulfillment leads individuals to seek divorce if their relationship fails to provide it.
• What has been the trend in marriage rates in recent years?

  Marriage rates are currently at their lowest since the 1920s.
• What percentage of marriages in 2012 were remarriages for one or both partners?

  One third of all marriages were remarriages.
• What is the average age of first marriage for women and men?

  The average age is 30 for women and 32 for men.
• How has the percentage of church weddings changed from 1981 to 2012?

  It fell from 60% in 1981 to 30% in 2012.