Changing family patterns - Divorce

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Meaning of HIGH DIVORCE RATES

  • FUNCTIONALISTS - Higher expectations on marriage, doesn't prove that marriage is a soical construction
  • POSTMODERNISTS - Giving people freedom to choose, greater family diversity
  • FEMINISTS - Women are breaking free from the patriarchal nuclear family
  • THE NEW RIGHT - Undermines the tradition of the nuclear family, creates welfare and dependant females
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Changing PATTERNS of DIVORCE

  • 2001 - 157,000
  • Doubled in 1961-1969 and again in 1972
  • Since the 60s the divroce rate as increased
  • 1993 - 180,000
  • 40% of marriages will end in divorce
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REASONS for the INCREASE in DIVORCE

  • Rising expectations
  • Declining stigma and negative attitudes
  • Changes in law - 1923 equal for both genders, making divorce cheaper - 1949 leagal aid
  • Secuarisation
  • Position of women - More likey to be in paid work - 47% (1959) 70% (2005)
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