divorce marriage and cohabitation

Question 1

1960s, 1993 and 2020 divorce rates

Answer 1

1960s = increase in divorce
1993 = 180,000 divorces, peak
2020 = 103,000 divorces

Question 2

change in law divorce reform act 1971

Answer 2

• cheaper divorces, more reasons to get a divorce and more gender equality when getting one
• 1971: divorce rate almost doubled, could get a divorce for ‘irretrievable breakdown’
• could now get divorce if: been separated for 2 years and both wanted divorce or if separated for 5years and only one wants divorce
• before 1971: could only get divorce if provided evidence of: insanity, abuse or adultery - harder for women to get as had to hire priv investigator

Question 3

Divorce dissolution and separation act 2022

Answer 3

Approx six months -prevents v of domestic abuse being stuck
- either provide statement saying marriage has broken down - don’t need evidence
Other solutions:
- desertion: one leaves, legally married
- legal seperation: courts separate legal and financial affairs, still married

Question 4

Declining stigmas and changing social attit

Answer 4

In past divorces were stigmatised. For example, churches wouldn’t marry divorcees
MITCHELL AND GOODY:
- since 1960 stigma declined its so common it’s been normalised
- secularisation means ch urges are more accepting in rapidly changing society churches can’t run divorcees away