Separation

• What legislation increased divorce rates in 1969?

  Divorce Reform Act
• How did the 1969 Divorce Reform Act change divorce proceedings?

  It made divorce easier and removed fault proof
• What was a significant effect of the 1969 Divorce Reform Act on gender?

  It made divorce equally accessible for women
• What are possible reasons for the increase in divorce rates?

  • Legislative changes
  • Secularisation
  • Female emancipation
  • Child support
  • The pure relationship concept
• How has secularisation affected views on divorce?

  It has reduced stigma and viewed marriage as a contract
• What financial changes have empowered women regarding divorce?

  Women now have independent finances to manage
• What assurance do women have regarding child support after divorce?

  Men are expected to pay maintenance for children
• What does Giddens’ concept of the pure relationship suggest?

  Relationships are part of self-identity and seek perfection
• What is unclear about the impact of divorce law changes on marriage breakdown?

  It's unclear if marriages actually broke down more
• What challenges exist in analyzing historical separation data?

  Accessing historical separation data is difficult
• What evidence is lacking regarding marital breakdown before the Divorce Reform Act?

  Statistical support for marital breakdown is lacking
• What can be inferred about bigamous marriages before the Divorce Reform Act?

  Many bigamous marriages were not officially recorded
• What conclusion can be drawn about the increase in divorces?

  There are more divorces, but breakdown data is unclear
• How did the Divorce Reform Act affect societal views on marriage?

  It shifted views towards marriage as a contract
• How does social stigma relate to divorce rates today?

  There is less stigma attached to being divorced
• What is the connection between economic independence and divorce rates?

  Economic independence allows women to divorce more easily
• What does serial monogamy imply about modern relationships?

  People seek multiple relationships for perfection
• What historical context is important for understanding divorce rates?

  Divorce was less accessible before 1969
• How do child support laws influence divorce decisions?

  They provide financial security for women post-divorce
• What sociological perspectives exist on marriage stability?

  Different perspectives analyze factors affecting stability