The Long-Term Increase in the Divorce Rate: Understanding Complex TheoriesThe divorce rate has been on the rise for several decades, and this trend has happened globally, with western countries reporting the highest rates. Despite being a widespread phenomenon, the reasons behind the increase in divorce rates are complex and multifaceted.
Sociologists and scholars have identified various factors responsible for this trend, ranging from social policy changes to feminism and postmodernism. This article seeks to explore the intricate theories that explain the long-term increase in the divorce rate.
Social Policy Changes
One of the most significant factors contributing to the increased divorce rate has been social policy changes. In particular, the 1969 Divorce Act in the United Kingdom brought about a significant change by introducing the concept of irretrievable breakdown, which meant that one party could petition for a divorce without the need to prove wrongdoing by the other.
This change reduced the stigma attached to divorce and made the process easier and more accessible, leading to a rise in the divorce rate.
Economic Factors
Economic factors have also played a crucial role in increasing the divorce rate. Inequality in earnings and job opportunities can lead to financial strain, causing conflict and stress.
Paid work, traditionally considered a male domain, is no longer restricted to men, and women have entered the workforce in significant numbers. This has led to changing gender roles, where women are no longer financially reliant on men.
As a result, when relationships break down, women are more likely to pursue a divorce as they have access to economic resources.
New Right Perspective
The New Right perspective views the welfare state as a cause of moral decline and argues that welfare benefits provide financial incentives to single-parent families. This ideology posits that the divorce rate has increased because people are pursuing individual goals that prioritize personal happiness over the family.
Critics argue that this theory is based on moral panic rather than empirical evidence, and that the connection between welfare benefits and the divorce rate is tenuous. Feminism/Changing Gender Roles
Feminism and changing gender roles have significantly impacted the divorce rate.
With the increase in female employment, women have become financially independent, leading to different expectations from marriage. Women can now pursue their goals and ambitions, and marital arrangements are increasingly more flexible, leading to a decline in the traditional breadwinner model.
Moreover, access to and use of contraception have allowed women to postpone marriage and prioritize their careers, which has resulted in fewer marriages and an increase in divorce rates.
Postmodernism
Postmodernism asserts that traditional values, such as religion, no longer define morality and that individual choice is the primary determinant of values. This leads to a focus on the self rather than traditional collectivist values, leading to the prioritization of personal happiness over more traditional values such as duty and responsibility.
In this context, marriage and family are no longer unassailable insitutions, leading to increased divorce rates.
Late Modern Sociologists
Late Modern Sociologists such as Anthony Giddens assert that contemporary relationships are founded on the ‘pure relationship’ model, where partners are free to negotiate the arrangement. This allows for cohabitation and childbearing without formal marriage, and fathers are encouraged to become more involved in child-rearing.
The negotiations in the relationships are ongoing, leading to more flexible arrangements where partners are free to pursue individual goals. This approach emphasizes communication and respect, leading to a decrease in conflict and fewer divorces.
Conclusion and the Decrease in Divorce Rate
While the long-term trend in the divorce rate has been an increase, there has been a recent decrease, with some researchers predicting that rates will continue to fall. Looking at historical trends, social structural forces have caused significant changes, leading to the feminism movement and gender equality, and a decline in patriarchy.
This has led to an increased focus on stable, long-term, happy marriages, and relationships that prioritize each person ‘s needs and satisfaction.
Age and Cohabitation
As people get older, they are more likely to get married to the right person, leading to longer-lasting relationships. Cohabitation, which was previously seen as a precursor to marriage and an indicator of instability, has now become a legitimate alternative.
Couples who live together before marriage often have more successful and longer-lasting relationships than those who do not.
Conclusion
The long-term increase in the divorce rate is a complex trend that has been shaped by various factors such as social policy changes, economic factors, feminism, and postmodernism. While New Right perspectives view this as a sign of moral decline linked to welfare benefits, late modern sociologists emphasize communication and respect, leading to a decrease in conflict and fewer divorces.
Late Modern Sociologists view the contemporary relationship as founded on the ‘pure relationship’ model, where partners are free to negotiate the arrangement, leading to more flexible arrangements where partners are free to pursue individual goals. The recent decrease in divorce rate may be attributed to an increased focus on stable, long-term, happy relationships that prioritize each person’s needs and satisfaction.
As people get older, they are more likely to get married to the right person, leading to longer-lasting relationships. Cohabitation, which was previously seen as a precursor to marriage and an indicator of instability, has now become a legitimate alternative.
In conclusion, the long-term increase in the divorce rate is a complex trend that has been shaped by various factors such as social policy changes, economic factors, feminism, and postmodernism. The recent decrease in divorce rates may be attributed to an increased focus on stable, long-term, happy relationships that prioritize each person’s needs and satisfaction.
Cohabitation, which was previously seen as a precursor to marriage and an indicator of instability, has now become a viable alternative. It is essential to continue studying the intricate theories surrounding divorce rates to gain a better understanding of how relationships and societal changes influence the dynamics of marriage and divorce.
FAQs:
1. What is the main reason for the increase in divorce rates?
Answer: The increase is due to a combination of several factors such as social policy changes, economic factors, changing gender roles, feminism, and postmodernism. 2.
How has feminism impacted the divorce rate? Answer: Feminism has led to more women entering the workforce, becoming financially independent and pursuing individual goals, which has resulted in fewer marriages and an increase in divorce rates.
3. What is the late modern sociologist’s view on relationships?
Answer: Late modern sociologists view contemporary relationships as founded on the “pure relationship” model, where partners are free to negotiate their arrangement, leading to more flexible arrangements where partners can pursue individual goals. 4.
Why has cohabitation become a legitimate alternative to marriage? Answer: Cohabitation is now viable due to the changing dynamics of relationships, where couples who live together before marriage often have more successful and longer-lasting relationships than those who do not.
5. Is the recent decrease in divorce rates expected to continue?
Answer: Yes, researchers predict that divorce rates will continue to fall due to an increased focus on stable, long-term, happy relationships that prioritize each person’s needs and satisfaction.