Examine the reasons for changes in the divorce rate since 1969 (24 marks)
Examine the reasons for changes in the divorce rate since 1969 (24 marks)
This essay is to examine the reasons for changes in the divorce rates since 1969. Since the 1960s, there has been a great increase in the number of divorces in the United Kingdom. The number of divorces doubled between 1961 and 1969, and doubled again by 1972. The upward trend continued reaching its highest in 1993 at 180,000.
Firstly, changes in the law have made divorce easier to obtain. The three kinds of changes in the law were equalising the grounds for divorce between the sexes, widening the reasons for divorce and making divorce cheaper. For example, the Divorce Reform Act (1969) introduced ‘irretrievable breakdown’ as a no fault reason for divorce. This made it much easier to obtain and so more people got divorced, making the divorce rate increase. Therefore, changes in the law is a reason for changes in the divorce rate since 1969.
Another reason for changes in the divorce rate is due to secularisation. Many sociologists argue that religious institutions are losing their influence and society is becoming more secular. For example, the 2001 Census shows that 43% of young people with no religion are cohabitating, as against only 34% of Christians, 17% of Muslims, 11% of Hindus and 10% of Sikhs. As a result of secularisation, the traditional opposition of the churches to divorce carries less weight in society and people are less likely to be influenced by religion when making decisions, such as divorce or marriage. Due to less stigma and influence, more people are divorcing. Therefore secularisation is another reason for the changes/increase in divorce rates.
Furthermore, changes in the social position of women is a reason for changes in the divorce rate. Better rights under divorce laws, increased job opportunities and financial support from the state can all be seen as contributing to enhancing the position of women in conjugal relationships. Hart (1976) argues that the
This essay is to examine the reasons for changes in the divorce rates since 1969. Since the 1960s, there has been a great increase in the number of divorces in the United Kingdom. The number of divorces doubled between 1961 and 1969, and doubled again by 1972. The upward trend continued reaching its highest in 1993 at 180,000.
Firstly, changes in the law have made divorce easier to obtain. The three kinds of changes in the law were equalising the grounds for divorce between the sexes, widening the reasons for divorce and making divorce cheaper. For example, the Divorce Reform Act (1969) introduced ‘irretrievable breakdown’ as a no fault reason for divorce. This made it much easier to obtain and so more people got divorced, making the divorce rate increase. Therefore, changes in the law is a reason for changes in the divorce rate since 1969.
Another reason for changes in the divorce rate is due to secularisation. Many sociologists argue that religious institutions are losing their influence and society is becoming more secular. For example, the 2001 Census shows that 43% of young people with no religion are cohabitating, as against only 34% of Christians, 17% of Muslims, 11% of Hindus and 10% of Sikhs. As a result of secularisation, the traditional opposition of the churches to divorce carries less weight in society and people are less likely to be influenced by religion when making decisions, such as divorce or marriage. Due to less stigma and influence, more people are divorcing. Therefore secularisation is another reason for the changes/increase in divorce rates.
Furthermore, changes in the social position of women is a reason for changes in the divorce rate. Better rights under divorce laws, increased job opportunities and financial support from the state can all be seen as contributing to enhancing the position of women in conjugal relationships. Hart (1976) argues that the