Divorce Flashcards
(25 cards)
When were the grounds for divorce equalised and what impact did it have?
In 1923, grounds were equalised for both sexes, causing a sharp increase in divorce petitions.
Widening grounds of divorce
What change in 1971 caused divorce rates to double overnight?
The introduction of ‘irretrievable breakdown’ as a valid reason for divorce.
What did the introduction of legal aid in 1941 do for divorce?
It made divorce cheaper and more accessible, especially for lower-income individuals.
What do Mitchell and Goody argue about attitudes around divorce?
Rapid decline in divorce sima since the 1960s
Couples are more likely to access it if needed as peoples reactions aren’t as strong
How has secularisation affected divorce rates?
Religion’s influence has weakened, and churches have softened their stance on divorce, making it a more personal decision.
What does Fletcher argue about the rising expectations of marriage?
People are less tolerable and result straight to divorce
Before people used to see families as a unit of production instead of for love and so would be more likely to tolerate an unhappy marriage
What is a criticism of the functionalist view on divorce?
Feminists argue it ignores women’s oppression, and others say high remarriage rates show continued faith in marriage.
How much more common was divorce in 2012 compared to 1961?
Six times more common.
What type of couples are more likely to divorce?
Young couples, those with children before marriage, and couples who cohabited before marrying.
What % of marriages ended in divorce by 2012?
40%.
Why are women more likely to initiate divorce today?
They have greater financial independence and more job opportunities.
What was the % of women in paid work in 2013 compared to 1971?
67% in 2013, up from 53% in 1971.
How have state policies helped women gain independence from marriage?
Equal pay laws, better education, and access to welfare benefits allow women to leave unhappy marriages.
Why do feminists see high divorce rates as positive?
They represent women escaping patriarchal oppression and gaining independence.
How does the dual burden affect marriage?
Source of conflict between husbands and wives so divorce rates are higher
What did Hochslid say?
Home is unfavourable when compared to work
Women feel valued at work but mens refusal to do housework is frustrating and makes marriage unstable
What did Bernard say?
Divorce rates are higher because women are aware of the patriarchal oppression in marriages and so are more confident rejecting them
What do Beck and Giddens argue?
Traditional norms like marriage and having a partner for life have less influence over people in modern society
What is the individual thesis?
Individuals are free to pursue their own self interests
Relationships become more fragile if relationship isn’t personally fulfilling, they will leave their partner
Also encouraged by career ambitions and pursing our own selfish desires
How do functionalists view high divorce rates?
As a result of high marriage expectations, not a rejection of marriage itself.
What does Morgan say about interpreting divorce?
We shouldn’t generalise; divorce has different meanings for different individuals.
What does the personal life perspective say about divorce?
Divorce can cause problems (e.g., poverty, child contact issues), but families adapt and it’s now seen as normal.
What are three alternatives to divorce?
Desertion – one partner leaves, no legal divorce.
Legal separation – legal/financial split, still married.
Empty shell marriage – couple stays together in name only.
What does Weeks argue about an increase in same sex relationships?
Increased social acceptance has tend towards same sec cohabitation and stable relationships resembling heterosexual relationships
Based on idea that ‘friendship is kinship’
Chosen families
