Sociology- Families and Households

• What do sociologists suggest as reasons for the increase in divorce?

  Changes in law, declining stigma, secularisation, rising expectations of marriage, changes in the position of women, and individualisation.
• What legal changes contributed to the increase in divorce rates?

  Equilising grounds of divorce between the sexes in 1923, making divorce cheaper in 1949, and introducing 'irretrievable breakdown' pre-1969.
• What was introduced in 1949 that affected divorce rates?

  Making divorce cheaper.
• How did the grounds for divorce change before 1969?

  It widened the grounds for divorce to include 'irretrievable breakdown' and allowed proving fault through cruelty or adultery.
• How has the stigma surrounding divorce changed over time?

  Divorcees were stigmatized in the past, but the stigma has declined, making divorce more socially acceptable.
• What does secularisation refer to in the context of divorce?

  The decline of religious influence in society.
• How has secularisation affected views on divorce?

  Divorce is no longer seen as "sinful" or influenced by religion.
• What did Functionalist Fletcher argue about marriage expectations?

  He argued that higher expectations are now placed on marriage, leading to increased divorce rates.
• What concept is associated with rising expectations of marriage?

  Romantic love.
• How have changes in the position of women contributed to divorce rates?

  Women are more likely to be in paid work, perform better in school, and feel frustrated when men do not help with household tasks.
• What factors have improved the position of women in society?

  More equal pay for women, better educational performance, and the introduction of the welfare state.
• What does individualisation refer to in the context of modern relationships?

  Relationships are based on personal fulfillment rather than a sense of duty.
• What happens to relationships when personal fulfillment is not achieved, according to Giddens?

  Relationships break down without personal fulfillment.
• What term did Giddens use to describe modern relationships?

  'Pure' relationships.
• What do different sociological perspectives offer regarding divorce rates?

  They provide a range of views on whether the increase in divorce rates is good or bad.
• What is the New Right's perspective on divorce?

  • Higher divorce rates are seen as undesirable.
  • They undermine traditional family values and the nuclear family.
  • Divorce creates an underclass dependent on benefits and causes crime.
  • Lack of a male role model negatively affects boys' socialization.
• How do feminists view the increase in divorce rates?

  Feminists see it as a positive change that allows women to break free from patriarchal oppression.
• What do liberal feminists think about the trend of increasing divorce rates?

  Liberal feminists appreciate the trend as a positive development.
• What do radical feminists argue regarding divorce?

  Radical feminists argue for an increase in divorce and advocate for political lesbianism.
• What is the postmodernist view on divorce?

  Postmodernists see divorce as individuals making choices to end relationships that don't meet their needs.
• How do postmodernists interpret the increase in divorce rates?

  They interpret it as evidence that there is no single explanation for relationships anymore.
• What does the personal life perspective say about divorce?

  • Divorce can cause financial difficulties and lack of contact between children and non-resident parents.
  • Smart argues that divorce has become normalized.
  • Family life can adapt to divorce without disintegration.
  • Divorce should not be seen as a major social problem.
• What is the functionalist perspective on divorce?

  Functionalists believe the nuclear family is beneficial for society and that divorce does not threaten it.
• Why do functionalists think divorce rates have risen?

  They argue that high expectations from marriage lead to increased divorce rates.
• What do interactionists focus on regarding divorce?

  Interactionists focus on the individual meanings of divorce rather than its societal implications.
• What does Davis Morgan (1996) argue about divorce?

  Davis Morgan argues that we cannot generalize what divorce means because interpretations vary by individual.
• What evidence do Mitchell and Goody provide regarding divorce experiences?

  • One interviewee described her father's departure as the best day of her life.
  • Another interviewee stated she never recovered from her father's desertion.
  • This illustrates the varied interpretations of divorce.
• How many first marriages were there in 2005?

  170,800
• What trend is indicated by the fact that 4 out of 10 marriages in 2005 were re-marriages?

  This indicates a trend towards serial monogamy.
• What was the average age for women to marry in 1971?

  25 years
• What was the average age for men to marry in 2005?

  30 years
• Why are couples marrying later according to the study material?

  Women are pursuing careers.
• What percentage of marriages in 2005 were conducted with religious ceremonies?

  35%
• What are some reasons for changing patterns of marriage?

  • Secularisation (decline in religion)
  • The cost of marriage
  • Changing attitudes towards marriage
  • Declining stigma around cohabitation
  • Changes in the position of women
  • Fear of divorce
• How does the cost of marriage affect people's decisions?

  The high costs drive people away from marriage.
• What does the decline in stigma around cohabitation imply?

  People feel freer to choose cohabitation over marriage.
• What is the main reason for the increase in re-marriages?

  The rise in the number of divorces.
• Why are young people postponing marriage according to the study material?

  They are spending longer in full-time education and establishing careers.
• What does the class survey suggest about young people's attitudes towards marriage?

  They are less inclined to get married right now but still value marriage.
• What were the main concerns of working-class girls in the early 1970s according to Sue Sharpe?

  Love, marriage, husbands, children, jobs, and careers.