Historical context of changing divorce rates

Sociologists speculate that the increase in divorce rates after the Divorce Reform Act came into effect was linked to the decline of the working-class extended family.

The impact of the privatised nuclear family on marital stability

Functionalist views on privatisation

Parsons and Bales (1955) describe how the nuclear family became 'privatised' during the 1950s, meaning it became more isolated from extended kin. This isolation reduced the social control that relatives previously provided. Extended kin often acted as a support network, offering advice and encouragement to couples facing difficulties, which helped prevent marital breakdowns from escalating to divorce. Without this external pressure, couples were more likely to separate when conflicts arose.

Pressure within the nuclear family

Leach (1967) argues that the privatised nuclear family places excessive emotional demands on couples, comparing it to an 'over-loaded electrical circuit'. Partners are expected to fulfil all of each other's emotional needs, and this intense pressure can lead to conflict and ultimately divorce.

Changing social attitudes and secularisation

The role of secularisation

The decline in religious attendance and beliefs between the 1960s and 1990s, a process known as secularisation, contributed to rising divorce rates. Divorce was once viewed as shameful and carried social stigma, but as secularisation progressed, it became seen as a 'necessary evil'.

The changing role of women and higher expectations of marriage

Women's roles in society have transformed dramatically, affecting their decisions about marriage and divorce. This shift is a key factor in the rising number of divorces initiated by women.

Economic independence and divorce initiation

Before the 1970s, men initiated most divorces. Today, around 70% of divorce petitions are started by women, often due to dissatisfaction with aspects of the marriage. A major reason is women's increased participation in the workforce, making them less financially dependent on husbands. This economic independence gives women greater freedom to leave unsatisfactory relationships, as they are no longer trapped by financial reliance.

Shifting attitudes towards marital norms

Women's expectations of marriage have changed across generations. In the past, many tolerated issues like domestic violence, emotional unavailability from partners, or unequal division of labour – the way household tasks and responsibilities are divided between family members. Evidence shows that modern women view these as unacceptable and justifiable grounds for divorce.

Higher expectations of marriage

Both men and women now hold higher standards for what marriage should provide, influencing decisions to divorce when these are not met.

Functionalist perspective on expectations:

• Fletcher (1996) argues that both sexes now expect marriage to be based on companionship, mutual love, and support.
• Couples are no longer prepared to tolerate loveless marriages.
• This rise in expectations means that if a marriage fails to deliver, partners are more likely to seek divorce.

Factors strengthening modern marriages:

• Despite rising divorce rates in the past, marriages today are more likely to survive than those from several decades ago.
• People now marry later in life, often after cohabiting, which allows them to test compatibility and resolve potential issues beforehand.
• Survey evidence from Beaujouan and Ní Bhrolcháin (2011) indicates that positive cohabitation experiences lead to greater commitment in marriage, as couples enter it with clearer expectations and stronger foundations.

Late-modernist perspectives on individualisation and intimacy

Late-modernist theorists highlight how societal shifts towards individualism have reshaped relationships, contributing to higher divorce rates.

Individualisation and marital conflict

Beck and Beck-Gernsheim (1995) argue that divorce rates increased due to the growing trend towards individualisation, meaning people have become more self-orientated. They suggest that marriage often leads to 'chaos' as the selflessness expected in love and marriage clashes with the self-interest of individualisation, potentially leading to breakdown and divorce.

Transformation of intimacy

Giddens (1992) argues that intimacy in relationships has transformed from romantic love to confluent love. Romantic love views marriage as a lifelong commitment based on enduring passion. In contrast, confluent love is more conditional and temporary, lasting only as long as it satisfies both partners' needs. If the relationship no longer provides emotional fulfillment, individuals feel justified in ending it and seeking new connections. This shift makes marriages more fragile, as people no longer see them as permanent bonds.