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A level changes in divorce rate 15 mark essay - Sociology
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Example essay revolving around the changes in divorce rate in a level of sociology that scored 13/15
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Explain reasons for changes in divorce rates in the contemporary UK (15)One reason is secularisation, Functionalists believe that there has been a decline in religious
beliefs and practices which has led to a change in our moral values. This means the church has
lost its power to influence individuals morally we now accept more liberal ideas as family types
like cohabitation are no longer stigmatised. Goode argues that people now accept divorce as a
part of normal life rather than viewing it as a sin, previously seen as scandalous. Wilson would
support Goode's idea, as through the decline in religion, the belief that people should stay
married is irrelevant. No longer seen as sinful to live in family types outside the traditional
nuclear family. Therefore there has been an increase in the rates of divorce.
The second reason is Individualisation, this is because people now have more choice and
freedom within society as social stigmatisation has fallen. Postmodernists believe that there has
been an increase in individualisation as people are less influenced by societal norms and
values.
This would allow individuals to be more driven to live in a way that benefits their individual
needs.
Beck argues that such choice and freedom have allowed the renegotiation of family relations,
eg.
Cohabitation, in an attempt to find a middle ground after a divorce. New Right Popenoe believe
that there has been an increase in the emphasis on their personal and emotional needs for self-
fulfilment over community and shared goals which may not have been previously found within a
marriage. Consequently, alternatively, family types to the traditional nuclear family have risen
which includes cohabitation due to the fall in marriage rates.
The last reason is legislation, through the implementation of family legislation, The Divorce
Reform Act, which meant individuals no longer had to prove one partner was guilty. This made
divorce easier on the grounds of the 'irretrievable breakdown' of marriage which meant that if
couples agreed to divorce they only needed to be separated for two years before the marriage
was terminated. Feminists therefore saw this legal change in a positive light as it promotes
gender equality. With the implementation of welfare legislation, New Right Murray argues that
the welfare system is over-generous which has led to greater family diversity. This is because it
has made it possible for individuals to live outside the traditional nuclear family as they are no
longer financially dependent on their other half. This is because, through Housing Benefits and
Child benefits, most women are encouraged to leave unhappy relationships. This has therefore
led to the decline of the traditional nuclear family and the fall in marriage rates.
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