Family trends divorce

• Divorce Reform Act came into action (1971)

  1969
• Divorce Reform Act 1969


  Enabled people to get a no fault divorce
• Divorce Reform Act 1969


  Divorce rates have steadily increased since 1969
• Postmodern era


  Giddens confluent love, individuals are now looking to create meaningful relationships that are based on love and respect, as soon as the relationships does not benefit an individual they will move on
• Women's changing priorities/positions in society
• Women's changing priorities/positions in society


  • Liberal feminist Sue Sharpe interviews 'Just like a girl' 1976 (love, marriage, husband, children)
  • 1990s (independence, gender equality, ambitious)
• Emancipation of women 'Genderquake'


  Wilkinson used the term Genderquake to describe the huge shift and shake up in attitudes towards femininity and the role of women in the last few decades. Woman are now free to make choices about their careers, marriage and having children.
• There has been a feminisation of the economy- a growth in service sector jobs and a decline in industry sector jobs which may suit women.
• Secularisation - Wilson