The Increase in Divorce Over the last 30 Years and Change in Women's Attitudes

The Increase in Divorce Over the last 30 Years and Change in Women's Attitudes

Yes to some extent changes in women's expectations have led to high

divorce rates due to many reasons.

Divorce rate has changed due to society's amendments in attitudes and

expectations especially in women. Sociologist argue that social

expectations especially women's views in marriage have changed.

Some researchers place the cause of increased divorce on higher

expectations given the rates of remarriage it is not the institution

of marriage or the ideology of lifelong happiness in fact life with an

insufficient partner. We live in a strongly individualist society so

therefore there will be instability in marriages which is based on

fulfillment and commitment

Functionalist like Fletcher argue that high divorce rate suggest that

people value marriage very highly. This indicates people are less

likely to put up with empty- shell marriages. Women want emotional and

sexual companionship and mostly equality. To achieve this people will

go through many partners to achieve their goal.

Feminist like Hart suggest high divorce rates occur because of women's

dual oppression as workers and mothers. Failure by men to redistribute

power in homes leads to divorce as the stress of work and housework is

too great. Women want friendship and emotional gratification more then

men do.

Also women's expectations have changed as a result of good educational

and career opportunities experienced since 1980's. In the 1960's most

divorces were initiated by men. In the 1990's and beyond 75% were

stated by women. Women are no longer putting up with unhappy marriages

...

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...asted a relatively short

time. Marriage was often late and life expectancy was short. The

highest risk groups for divorce are; teenage brides, couples who had

children early, couples with 4 or more children, local authority

tenants, and couples with relatively low income. The underlying focus

is clearly the financial condition of the marriage. Clearly, part of

the explanation for higher divorce rates among those married as

teenagers has to be other contributory factors. Factors associated

with a higher risk of divorce such as manual employment, poor housing,

and sharing accommodation with relatives.

In conclusion I do think divorce is increasing due to women's

expectations and attitudes but on the other hand the law has made it

easier to get a divorce. Nowadays it is cheaper and easier to get

divorced since 1971.