The The Second World War Has Been Essay Example

live together beforehand. Single-parent families result from separation, death of a spouse or lifestyle choice and can face societal stigma according to Bernardes (1997), who notes that matrimony is still deemed preferable.

McCulloch (1982) suggests that communes offer an alternative approach to living, in which families come together and share resources based on a common ideology. This type of communal living differs from traditional nuclear family structures. In contrast, Bernard (1976) highlights the significant role of women's dissatisfaction as the cause of 75% of divorce petitions. He notes that both partners often have different expectations when entering into marriage, resulting in what he terms "two marriages."

Divorce is often caused by differing expectations between husbands and wives, which cannot be solely attributed to changes in laws. Fletcher notes that economic changes have empowered women to leave unfulfilling marriages they may have been unable to escape if they were not financially stable. Despite the concept of gender equality in the workforce, women's earnings still average 75% less than men's. Additionally, women tend to work part-time or shorter hours due to their continued responsibility for domestic tasks such as childcare.

In 1976, Hart observed that women were changing their approach to family obligations and now consider their actions beforehand. This contrasts with the previous perception of family responsibilities as mandatory duties. The author highlights potential conflicts between partners when balancing household tasks and external work, which if mismanaged can result in divorce. Prior to the Divorce Legislation Act of 1971, proving a spouse's fault was necessary for obtaining a divorce, referred to as matrimonial offence.

Following the Divorce Reform Act, proving irretrievable breakdown of marriage was sufficient for finalizing divorce within

two years if both partners didn't object. However, if one partner objected, it could take up to five years. Despite this legal change making divorce easier, it may not be the sole reason behind significantly increased divorce rates. According to Gibson's predictions based on current patterns, four out of ten marriages will end in divorce. The estimated divorce rate currently stands at one-third for England and Wales from 1971-1985.

Goode suggests that the decrease in religious beliefs is a reason for the reduced stigma surrounding divorce in certain communities. Similarly, Gibson and Giddens agree with this concept and believe that the deterioration of shared values contributes to marital issues. Additionally, changing perceptions of marriage and family life may also play a role in divorce.

In Fletcher's view, the reform act has made divorce more accessible and encouraged people to leave unhappy marriages. Over 50% of divorced individuals remarry within a year, suggesting a desire for fulfilling relationships even with higher expectations. Dennis, who subscribes to New Right ideology, sees emotional connection as essential for marriage stability. Demographic shifts have also contributed to divorce rates independent of the reform act; historically, delayed marriage and shorter life expectancy were factors.

According to Anderson (1983), people are getting married at a younger age and living longer than previous generations. As a result, marriages tend to last for a similar duration. This prolonged marriage may explain why individuals still choose to get married instead of remarrying following the loss of a spouse. Although cohabitation is often seen as a step towards marriage, the General Households Survey 1993 contradicts this belief by suggesting that those who cohabit have an increased risk of divorce.

The survey also indicates that younger couples experience high rates of divorce, supporting the notion that marriage is an unstable institution. Moreover, families are becoming more isolated and receiving lesser support from extended relatives.

The reliance of family members solely on each other can result in heightened intensity within the family. In times of trouble, individuals may be hesitant to seek help from their extended family or professional sources, leading to further complications and even divorce. This aligns with the third stage of Young and Willmott's theory. While changes in the law may contribute to divorce, it is important to recognize that there are numerous other reasons at play.