Changing family patterns Flashcards
Why has there been an increase in divorce rates?
Legal changes - divorce has become easier to access; equalising the grounds between both genders; widening the grounds (eg. irretrievable breakdown).
Less stigma
Secularisation
Higher expectations of marriage - the rising expectation of marriage based upon unrealistic scenarios shown in movies has led to the dissatisfaction amongst many couples (Fletcher).
Women’s financial independence - more women are now in paid employment, and lone parent welfare benefits are available. Women are less economically dependent on a man, and can afford divorce.
What does Fletcher say about the increase of divorce rates?
The rising expectation of marriage based upon unrealistic scenarios shown in movies has led to the dissatisfaction amongst many couples
Why has there been a decrease in marriage rates?
Changing attitudes - less pressure to marry
Alternatives to marriage (such as cohabitation) are less stigmatised
Women’s economic independence
Impact of feminism - some women now see marriage as a patriarchal institution
Rising divorce rates - this may put women off marrying
What are some other trends in marriage?
Rise in serial monogamy - many people re-marry
Later marriages - the young spend longer in education and cohabit before marrying
Fewer church weddings - due to secularisation
What is the trend for partnerships?
More people are living together without being married (secularisation, stigma and cost)
Increase in same-sex partnerships (secularisation and stigma)
More people living alone (life expectancy and stigma)
What is the trend for childbearing?
More children are born outside marriage
Women are having children later
Radical feminists are still unhappy with women being the main caregivers
How has secularisation lead to an increase in divorce rates?
decline in religious influence on society.
Why is there now less stigma around divorce?
divorce has become more common and widely accepted.
