Flashcards Topic 4

• What is the definition of divorce?

  The legal ending of marriage
• How have divorce rates changed over time?

  Divorce rates have increased
• What is a common reason people divorce?

  Drunken accidents, cheating, or falling in love with another person
• What are some reasons for the increase in divorce rates?

  • Legal changes make it easier and quicker to divorce (Divorce Reform Act 1969)
  • Availability of legal aid makes divorce cheaper
  • Changes in social attitudes reduce stigma around divorce
  • Secularization leads to a decline in religious opposition to divorce
  • Changes in women's status allow for greater financial independence
• What is a criticism of the Divorce Reform Act 1969?


  It is still costly and requires a waiting period
• How does secularization affect divorce rates?

  It allows people to divorce without religious restrictions
• Why did women historically hesitate to divorce?

  Due to limited financial independence
• What is a consequence of divorce on family structure?

  Families are becoming more reconstituted and less nuclear
• What emotional impact can divorce have on individuals?

  It can lead to relationship breakdown and emotional stress
• What financial consequence can result from divorce?

  It can lead to financial hardship and risk of poverty
• What trend is observed regarding remarriage after divorce?

  People tend to remarry after divorce due to less stigma
• What is Hochschild's belief regarding women's roles in divorce?

  Women do most of the work at home, leaving them less time for emotional support
• According to Sigle-Rushton, why are working mothers more likely to petition for divorce?

  Because they are financially stable
• What does Barnard believe about women's satisfaction in relationships?

  There is a growth in women being unsatisfied in patriarchal relationships
• What is Murray's view on the impact of divorce on society?

  Divorce creates an underclass of welfare-dependent lone parent mothers
• What do post-modernists believe about divorce?

  Divorce gives individuals more freedom and leads to greater family diversity
• What is the functionalist perspective on high divorce rates?

  High divorce rates do not threaten marriage and are caused by high expectations
• What does the high remarriage rate indicate according to functionalists?

  It shows people's commitment to marriage
• What is a criticism of the functionalist view on divorce?

  It is patriarchal and overlooks men's reasons for divorce