Sociology changing patterns of divorce

?
  • Created by: Kathryn
  • Created on: 26-04-13 10:24
Define divorce.
The legal termination of a marriage. It has three stages:- a petition, a decree nisi and a decree absolute. Not all petitions reach absolute stage.
1 of 16
Define separation.
May be an informal physical separation of a couple or may be through a magistrates court -figures=not so reliable
2 of 16
Define empty-shell marriage.
The marriage has broken down but the couple still live together-still legally married -couple no longer care for each other.
3 of 16
Define serial monogamy
This refers to a cycle of marriage - divorce - marriage - an individual is only married to one person at a time but may be several over their lifetime.
4 of 16
Define divorce rate.
The number of divorces per 1000 married couples.
5 of 16
What are the main changes in the patterns of divorce?
Risen over last century- 1900:800 petitions a year, 1990:160000. Since the mid 1990's -divorces=falling(mainly because fewer peeps getting married) however still remained high. Boom times= after WW or following.1996: 41% of marriages =remarriages
6 of 16
What is the main change in divorce legislation?
1969 -divorce reform act-no longer had to be a guilty party-one ground=irretrievable breakdown
7 of 16
What are the reasons for irretrievable breakdown of a marriage?
1) adultery 2) desertion 3) separation 4) unreasonable behaviour
8 of 16
What are the four main circumstances that are more likely to lead to divorce?
1) Age at marriage-if bride is 21,the rate is double the national figure:immaturity,financial probs 2) social class-lower a couples class the more likely 3)previous experience of divorce-when a parent has been divorced 4) different social background
9 of 16
What are some explanations for the rise in divorce?
1)secularisation 2)changes in the law 3)social attitudes-more acceptable Cockett and tripp(1994):divorce has now become a normal part of family life 4)higher expectations-Allen and Crowe:personal and love commitment now requirements
10 of 16
What are some of the implications of the rise in divorce?
-people put off marriage by high divorce rates -has led to growth of reconstituted families & increase in number of people living alone -large numbers of lone parent families -postpone marriage thus often proceeded by cohabitation
11 of 16
What is the functionalist theoretical perspective on divorce?
Divorce can be functional - allows unhappy marriages to end and more satisfactory ones to take place. BUT mustn't get out of hand as this might threaten the stability of the nuclear family-->seen as essential.
12 of 16
What is the new right theoretical perspective on divorce?
Similar to functionalist's. more extreme- a rise in the number of lone parent families=fewer children living in stable homes. See this type of environment as producing poverty, low educational achievement etc.
13 of 16
What is the marxist perspective on divorce?
Direct result of capitalism -marriage =bourgeoisie concept so divorce is an escape from this. Divorce also seen as an escape from exploitation for women.
14 of 16
What is the feminist perspective on divorce?
Welcome the increase in divorce -see it as a sign of greater ability of women to escape a possibly exploitative and violent relationship.
15 of 16
What is the postmodernist view on divorce?
Divorce allows individuals to exercise free will over their lives and actions.
16 of 16

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Define separation.

Back

May be an informal physical separation of a couple or may be through a magistrates court -figures=not so reliable

Card 3

Front

Define empty-shell marriage.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Define serial monogamy

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Define divorce rate.

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Sociology resources:

See all Sociology resources »See all Families and households resources »