Demographic changes: Divorce

Divorce Rates and Trends

The divorce rate has generally increased since the introduction of the Divorce Reform Act in 1969 which made “irreversible breakdown” of a marriage an acceptable ground for divorce.
Recently, the divorce rate has begun to fall. This may be due to people marrying later in life, couples living together before marrying or the rise of cohabitation, reducing the chance of entering an unsuccessful marriage.
Divorce rates tend to be higher among lower social classes, perhaps due to financial stress, lack of resources, or differing views on the sanctity of marriage.

Societal Responses to Divorce

Society’s response to divorce has changed considerably over the years. Once stigmatised, divorce has now become largely accepted as a normal part of life.
There has been an increase in divorce-extended families, accounting for new family structures formed post-divorce. Children may become part of two nuclear families, with step-siblings and additional grandparents.
While there is less stigma, divorce can still create pressures and anxiety for individuals. For example, children may struggle to adapt to their parents’ divorce.

The Influence of Divorce on Family Structures

Divorce has increased the prevalence of single-parent families as usually one parent becomes the primary carer.
The increasing divorce rate has led to more reconstituted families, as divorced individuals remarry or enter into new partnerships.
The number of lone person households has increased, often as a result of divorce.

Theories Regarding Divorce

Functionalists see high divorce rates as a threat to the social order, suggesting marriage and the traditional nuclear family are crucial for socialisation and societal stability.
New Right theorists likewise view high divorce rates negatively, arguing they undermine the traditional family structure and contribute to social problems like crime and antisocial behaviour.
Feminists may view an increase in divorce rates as an indication that women are breaking free from oppressive relationships. They argue divorce can offer women liberation and empowerment.
Postmodernists argue that high divorce rates are evidence of individuals exercising their freedom and choice, reflecting the diversity of contemporary society.
Marxists may see high divorce rates as a product of the pressures of capitalist society, where pursuit of wealth strains relationships leading to separation.