Divorce: The New American Dream

Divorce: The New American Dream
Although divorce has always been a part of American culture, it has skyrocketed in the last few decades, reaching an all time high of 50% of all marriages ending in separation. Our culture has changed its view on divorce throughout the years and now accepts divorce in society. In the past, divorce was forbidden. People did not discuss the issue as openly as we do today. In the past, divorce was never shown in the media and was looked down on. Today’s culture has shaped divorce into a more positive decision and has made it relatively easy to file for a separation. With all the hype about marriage and living the American dream, I often wonder what has influenced such an increase in the divorce rate over the last
They had little education and rarely worked outside of the home. Women were expected to get married and play the role as Housewife. According to Rosenberg, “few women had an eight grade education in 1900, where as today, 85 percent finish high school, with more than 22 percent completing college” (245). Considering women’s educational disadvantages in the past, job opportunities were limited so women had no choice but to settle down with a man. They were expected to cater to their husband and children, while completing housework, a job often looked at as the women’s job. In fact, “until the middle of the nineteenth century, married women had no right to property of their own. The common law gave a women’s husband absolute right to her services, including any outside income she might earn” (Crittenden 46). Considering women’s rights have become more equal, it’s no wonder they are breaking away from the expectations and creating there own goals in
Household chores are never ending and can be exhausting when trying to juggle family and a career. Even though many women agree with the added work, many more are coming to terms with their life and choosing routes leading far away from marriage. In today’s culture women have better opportunities to work outside of the home. They are treated with respect and often work outside the home just as much as men, yet the bulk of household chores are still considered the women’s job. The international Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family concludes “the lonely and never ending aspects of housework contribute to the increased depression for U.S. housewives,” thus leading women to the socially accepted marital separation. Women are pulling forty hour weeks plus countless hours of household work with out the help of their husband. With all the increased stress, women are now able to make choices such as getting a divorce without the financial fear or reputation once associated with