Changing Patterns

Question 1

In a nutshell

Answer 1

Divorce is increasing and marriage is decreasing. Reasons for this include secularisation, decline in stigma, changing position of women, and changes in the law.

Question 2

INCREASING DIVORCE RATES

Answer 2

40% of marriages now end in divorce.

Question 3

40% of marriages now end in divorce. The reasons for the increase over the past 60 years include:

Legal changes -

Answer 3

Legal changes - divorce has become easier to access; equalising the grounds between both genders; widening the grounds (eg. irretrievable breakdown).

Question 4

Less stigma -

Answer 4

Less stigma - divorce has become more common and widely accepted.

Question 5

Secularisation-

Answer 5

Secularisation - decline in religious influence on society.

Question 6

Higher expectations of marriage -

Answer 6

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).

Question 7

Women’s financial independence -

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Decreasing Marriage rates

​Reasons for the decline in the number of people getting married include:

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Other trends in marriage:

Answer 9

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

Question 10

PARTNERSHIPS

Answer 10

More people are living together without being married (secularisation, stigma and cost)
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Increase in same-sex partnerships (secularisation and stigma)
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More people living alone (life expectancy and stigma)

Question 11

Childbearing and Childrearing

Answer 11

More children are born outside marriage
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Women are having children later
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Radical feminists are still unhappy with women being the main caregivers