Divorce

• What is the definition of divorce?

  Legal termination of a marriage by a court
• How has the ease of obtaining a divorce changed since the 1970s?

  It has become easier legally and socially
• What was the percentage increase in divorces in England and Wales in 2019?

  18.4% increase
• What was the most common ground for divorce in 2019?

  'Unreasonable behaviour'
• What are the three main reasons for the increase in divorce in sociology?

  • Changes in social policies and law
  • Changes in gender roles and women's position
  • Changes in social attitudes towards marriage and divorce
• What significant change occurred in 1923 regarding divorce in Britain?

  Grounds for divorce were equalized
• What did the Divorce Reform Act of 1969 introduce?

  'Irretrievable breakdown' as a ground for divorce
• How did legal changes affect divorce petitions by women?

  Increased divorce petitions by women
• How have changes in gender roles affected women's financial dependence?

  Women are less financially dependent on partners
• What role has feminism played in the changes in women's position?

  Raised awareness of gender inequalities
• What was the societal view on domestic abuse before 1992?

  Not considered a criminal offense
• How has the stigma around divorce changed over time?

  It has declined significantly
• What impact has secularization had on marriage?

  Reduced religious influence on marriage
• What do rising expectations toward marriage lead to?

  Higher likelihood of divorce when unmet
• How does privatization of the nuclear family affect marriages?

  Increases stress and tension between partners
• What is legal separation?

  Partners live apart but remain legally married
• What is desertion in the context of marriage?

  Leaving a marriage without justification
• How do the consequences of divorce vary?

  Based on personal experiences of individuals
• What is the focus of sociological analysis regarding divorce?

  Impact on beliefs, culture, and values
• What sociological perspectives are examined regarding divorce?

  Feminism, functionalism, New Right, postmodernism
• What did feminist sociologists of the 1980s believe about marriage?

  It was a product of the patriarchal system
• What do functionalists argue about expectations of marriage?

  High expectations lead to higher divorce rates
• What does the New Right attribute to the rise in divorces?

  General moral decline in society
• How do Beck and Beck-Gernsheim view postmodern relationships?

  Individual happiness drives relationship choices
• What does the personal life perspective focus on regarding divorce?

  Individual meanings and experiences of divorce
• What are the key takeaways regarding divorce in sociology?

  • Divorce is legally defined as termination of marriage.
  • 'Unreasonable behaviour' was the most common ground in 2019.
  • Rising divorce rates are due to social policy changes, attitudes, and gender roles.
  • Legal separation and desertion are alternatives to divorce.
  • Feminists view divorce as a means for women to gain freedom.
  • Functionalists link high expectations to divorce rates.
  • The New Right sees moral decline as a cause of divorce.
  • Postmodernism emphasizes individual happiness in relationships.