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Essay Plan: Assess the reasons for the long term increase in the divorce rate (20)

Last Updated on January 11, 2019 by Karl Thompson

Assess the reasons for the long term increase in the divorce rate (20 )

This essay looks at social policies such as the 1969 divorce act, changes to gender roles, economic factors, secularisation and postmodernisation.  

Introduction – The divorce rate has generally increased since the 1960s. The number almost trebled in the years following the 1969 divorce act and from the mid-1970s, the divorce rate has risen steadily, although it has been declining since 2005.

Social Policy changes are the first factor that explains rapidly increasing divorce in the early 1970s – the 1969 the Divorce Act extended the grounds of divorce to ‘irretrievable breakdown’, making divorce possible even if only one partner wanted a divorce. However, this cannot explain all of the increase, since the divorce rate was rising before the act, and continued to rise for many years afterwards.

Economic Factors – We also need to look at economic factors – Increasing inequality in the UK has meant that the lower social classes now get paid less compared to rising living costs (mortgages/ bills). This means that both partners in a marriage now need to do paid work to get by, which puts a strain on the marriage which leads to higher numbers getting divorced. A positive evaluation of this is that divorce rates are higher amongst poorer families.

The New Right would claim that increasingly generous welfare benefits for single mothers is a crucial factor which allows women to divorce if they deem it necessary – because if divorce occurs within a family, in 9/10 cases, the child will go with the mother – making it difficult to find full time work – and hence benefits may be a necessary link in the chain of explaining the increase in divorce. The New Right would also see the increasing divorce rate as a sign of wider moral decline, a point of view which is not shared by the next three perspectives…

Feminism/ changing gender roles . Many commentators argue that the changing position of women in society. Is crucial to understanding the increase in divorce rates.

Women today are much more likely to be in employment today and this means they are less financially dependent on their husbands and thus freer to end an unsatisfactory marriage. The proportion of women in some kind of paid work is now 70%, whereas in the 1950s it was less than 50%

Giddens himself argues that two trends are the most important – the impact of the Feminist movement, which arguably lies behind all of the above changes, and also the advances in contraception – which allows women to avoid unwanted pregnancies – and women in marriages without children will be freer to leave those marriages. Feminists however, point out that the advances of women can be exaggerated – women still earn less than men, and traditional gender norms remain in many families.

A further set of reasons are those associated with Postmodernism . Both religion and traditional values have declined in Britain. As a result there is no longer a set of social values which force people into staying married, there is less social stigma attached to getting a divorce and so people are freer to choose to get divorced. This change reflects the declining importance of social structure and the rise of consumer culture – the idea that individuals can choose their own lifestyles. However, one exception to this might that among some Muslim communities the concept of Izaat still prevents people from getting divorced.

Late Modern Sociologists argue against Postmodernists – getting a divorce is not simply a matter of individual choice, rather the increasing divorce rate is because of the changing nature of the typical relationship.

Anthony Giddens , for example argues that the typical type of relationship is the ‘pure relationship’ … it exists solely to meet the partners’ needs and is likely to continue only so long as it succeeds. Couples stay together because of love, happiness of sexual attraction rather than for tradition or for the sake of the children. In short, we have increased expectations of marriage, and if it doesn’t work for us, then we get a divorce.

Ulrich Beck points out that divorce has increased because the typical late-modern family is characterised by more gender equality and negotiation – pleasing both partners takes a lot of time and effort, which is simply not sustainable when both partners are in paid work, which in turn explains the high levels of divorce.

By way of a conclusion , there are many different historical trends that go into explaining the increase in divorce rates – it is important to remember that social structural forces are at work – such as changes in the law, the impact of Feminism and the changing role of women, which have had the effect of making our society more gender equal and providing people with greater choice, all of which work together to explain the increasing rate of divorce.

As a final word, it is also worth noting that the divorce rate is now decreasing – which could be due to the fact that the age at which people get married is increasing – people get married after a lengthy period of co-habitation – and so are more likely to marry the right person for the right reasons!

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Ielts essay # 1443 - the rate of divorce has increased dramatically, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, in some parts of the world, the rate of divorce has increased dramatically over the past few decades., explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions..

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The Rate of Divorce Has Increased Dramatically over the Past Few Decades - IELTS Band 9 Essay

The Rate of Divorce Has Increased Dramatically over the Past Few Decades - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

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Sample Essay 1

The escalating trend of divorces in many parts of the world reflects deep-seated changes in societal norms and economic conditions. This essay aims to discuss the growing independence and career aspirations as a root cause of these rising divorce rates and propose the integration of adaptable relationship structures as a viable solution.

A profound cause contributing to the surge in divorce rates is the increasing emphasis on personal development and career progression. As individuals prioritize personal growth and professional achievements, marital relationships often take a backseat. This focus on individualism over collectivism can lead to conflicts when partners feel hindered or unsupported in their ambitions. For instance, research published by the American Psychological Association highlights that dual-career couples have a higher propensity for marital dissatisfaction due to conflicting schedules and unmet emotional needs. Such dynamics strain marital bonds, pushing couples towards separation when unable to harmonize their personal and shared goals. This trend is exacerbated in societies where independence and self-sufficiency are highly valued, often leading to a disconnect between partners who fail to synchronize their life paths and support each other's individual journeys.

To address the challenges posed by modern marital expectations, the implementation of flexible relationship structures could serve as an effective countermeasure. This solution involves setting clear expectations and negotiating roles within the marriage that accommodate personal aspirations and mutual growth. Educational workshops that focus on developing negotiation skills, empathy, and joint goal-setting could also be beneficial. These initiatives can help couples create a supportive environment that nurtures both individual and shared aspirations, thereby reducing the likelihood of divorce due to unmet personal goals or feelings of confinement within the relationship. Additionally, these programs can teach couples to appreciate and celebrate each other's successes, fostering a deeper understanding and strengthening the marital bond in the face of challenges posed by modern lifestyles.

In conclusion, the increase in divorce rates can be attributed to heightened individual pursuits and the subsequent misalignment of marital expectations. Embracing flexible relationship models and fostering an environment of mutual support through educational interventions can effectively address these challenges, promoting more sustainable and fulfilling marital relationships.

Sample Essay 2

In recent years, divorce rates have surged in various global regions, signalling a shift in societal and personal dynamics. This essay will explore two primary causes - evolving societal expectations and economic pressures - and propose practical solutions such as relationship education and financial planning programs to mitigate this trend.

One significant driver of rising divorce rates is the transformation in societal expectations. Historically, marriage was often viewed as an economic or social necessity; however, in contemporary society, the pursuit of individual fulfillment and personal happiness has become paramount. This modern paradigm has led to elevated expectations of marriage as a primary source of emotional and psychological satisfaction. When these heightened expectations are not met, dissatisfaction grows, significantly increasing the likelihood of divorce. For instance, a study in the Journal of Marriage and Family indicates that couples who cite lack of personal fulfillment are 40% more likely to separate. Similarly, economic stress is another pivotal factor contributing to divorce rates. Financial hardship can lead to significant strains within a relationship, with disputes over finances being a common precursor to marital breakdowns. The recent economic downturns across the globe have exacerbated such tensions, straining the marital bond further.

Addressing the aforementioned challenges requires targeted interventions. There is a crucial need for both pre-marital and ongoing relationship education that emphasizes realistic expectations and cultivates effective communication skills. These educational programs can help couples navigate the complexities of modern relationships and align their expectations, thus potentially reducing the incidence of marital dissatisfaction and subsequent divorces. Additionally, implementing couples therapy and financial planning programs can serve as effective measures to combat economic stress. These programs foster better financial management skills and enhance communication over fiscal matters, equipping couples with the tools to navigate economic challenges more effectively. By reducing the financial stress that often precipitates divorce, these interventions can contribute to stronger, more enduring relationships.

To conclude, the rise in divorce rates can largely be attributed to changed societal expectations and economic challenges. Addressing these issues through enhanced educational programs on relationship management and financial planning can help couples build stronger, more resilient unions.

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American Judicial System

Is Divorce On The Rise—And What Factors Are Contributing To It?

Janice Ruiz

It’s said that “love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage,” but today’s divorce rates may prove otherwise. It’s no news that divorce rate in the US hovers around 50%.

A few decades ago, divorce was taboo.

In today’s world, divorce can be considered a norm. Every nation in the world allows its citizens to divorce under certain conditions, except for the Philippines, where divorce is illegal.

In the US, the divorce rate has been falling, though it remains the third highest in the world. The nation has also witnessed some of the most expensive divorces in the world, with Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott split up, costing a staggering $38 billion.

Ever wondered why divorce is so common in the twenty-first century?

Well, that’s what we’re here to figure out. In this guide, we’ll reveal the US divorce figures for 2023 and discuss the major factors contributing to divorce in America.

How Common Is Divorce In America?

Researchers estimate that 40 – 50% of all first marriages end in divorce or separation, and about 65% of second marriages end in divorce. In the US, divorce is still very common though the rate is declining. Both the marriage and divorce rates have declined from 2011 to 2021.

In 2011, there were 9.7 divorces per 1,000 women in the US. In 2021, the divorce rate decreased to 6.9 per 1,000 women. The same goes for marriage. In 2021, the marriage rate was 14.9 per 1,000 women, down from 16.3 a decade ago.

Overall, 40 – 50% of all marriages in the US end in divorce, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Nevada tops the list of the states with the highest divorce rate , followed by Oklahoma, Wyoming, Alabama, and Arkansas.

Although divorce is legal in every state, each state has its own laws regarding when and how the process should be handled. Divorce laws in California , for example, require the parties to establish they are residents, be separated from each other, and declare the ground for divorce.

Common Causes Of Divorce In America

Divorces make headlines for different reasons. Sometimes, the reason can be serious issues like abuse. While not often, divorce can also happen because the parties involved are famous. Here are the most common reasons people give for their divorce.

1. Physical Abuse

The most egregious reason couples divorce is physical abuse or domestic violence.

Domestic violence starts with some form of control over the other spouse, such as financial control or control over who manages the business. Often this leads to disagreements, physical abuse, and eventually divorce.

Domestic violence can lead to bruises, broken bones, and death in the worst-case scenario. Physical violence in marriage is unacceptable, and victims need a way out.

Sometimes, a temporary separation can allow couples to rethink and decide whether to repair the relationship. But in most cases, victims of physical abuse opt for divorce.

2. Infidelity

According to the APA, 20 – 40% of divorces are due to infidelity. While infidelity is a leading cause of divorce, different couples respond to it in different ways. For example, some couples may have an “open” approach to polyamory unions.

However, when a marriage is supposed to be monogamous, and one spouse engages in extramarital affairs, trust can be lost, leading to divorce or permanent separation.

3. Going with the Flow

A few years ago, divorce was for the rich and the famous. But in today’s society, the rhythm has changed. In fact, poor and low-income couples have higher rates of divorce than celebrities.

The reason?

Going with the flow! Today’s generation has the habit of copying what’s trending, and the juicy celebrity divorces that have been making headlines play a role in the rising divorce rate.

Additionally, the young generation is marrying for the wrong reasons. They enter into marriages because their age mates are all married, only to end up with incompatible partners. And any marriage that’s not based on love is doomed to fail from the word go.

4. Addictions

Addiction can come in many forms, such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, pornography, or gambling. Alcohol and tobacco abuse are the major culprits though addiction to gambling, sex, and pornography can be just as detrimental to a marriage.

This is because addiction messes a person’s life—compromises their decision-making abilities, leading to irresponsible behavior and neglect.

Additionally, addiction can be expensive, especially if one spouse is addicted to pricy substances like cocaine. Worst of all, an alcoholic or drug addict parent can hurt children in many ways and even negatively influence them.

5. Financial Issues

Marriages can break down because of money issues. For instance, a higher-earning spouse may resent the other party, or the lower-earner may resent the high-earning spouse.

Other money issues that can lead to divorce include:

  • Large debts
  • Having vastly different spending habits
  • Changing careers without consulting the other spouse
  • Not dividing financial responsibilities

Disagreements can also arise regarding how jointly earned money should be spent or who should manage the family business. If a consensus isn’t reached, such disagreements can escalate, leading to dishonesty, violence, and divorce.

Wrapping Up

Divorce is very common in the US, with approximately 40% of marriages ending in divorce or permanent separation. Some of the leading causes of divorce include abuse, infidelity, addictions, financial issues, and going with the flow.

Additionally, divorce has been widely accepted in many nations, including America. There are also more lenient marriage laws for handling divorce and separation, which have further made divorce an easier remedy for opting out of marriage. As a result, divorce is no longer considered taboo as it once was but a norm that has gained acceptance in many nations.

What Product Designers Should Know About IP Laws?

How long after the incident can you file a wrongful death claim in ontario, janice ruiz.

Janice Ruiz is a paralegal who comes from a long line of legal professionals in her family. When not working or writing, she enjoys watching documentaries about true crime events.

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rising divorce rate essay

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Divorce: More than a Century of Change, 1900-2018

Family Profile No. 22, 2020 Author: Valerie Schweizer

During the twentieth century, the divorce rate in the United States increased overall, although it has been declining in recent decades. Using National Vital Statistics, Decennial Census, and American Community Survey data, we investigate women’s divorce rate and the proportion of women separated/divorced over time from 1900 to 2018. Then, we examine currently separated/divorced women by race/ethnicity and educational attainment from 1940 to 2018. This is a companion profile to FP-20-21 on marriage and FP-20-23 on widowhood.

Change in the Divorce Rate in the U.S., 1900-2018

  • Almost four times as many women experienced a divorce in 2018 compared to 1900, with rates of 15.7 and 4.1, respectively.
  • The peak divorce rate of 22.6 occurred in 1980 but has since declined.

Figure 1. Women’s Divorce Rate, 1900-2018

orange line chart showing Figure 1. Women’s Divorce Rate, 1900-2018

Marital Status of Ever-Married Women, 1900-2018

  • Among ever-married women, the percentage currently separated/divorced increased since 1900 from less than 1% to 21% in 2018.
  • The proportion of ever-married women who were currently married decreased from 83% in 1900 to 67% in 2018.
  • The percentage of ever-married women who were currently widowed remained fairly stable since 1900—dropping from 16% in 1900 to 12% in 2018.

Figure 2. Current Marital Status of Ever-Married Women, 1900-2018

tri-color line chart showing Figure 2. Current Marital Status of Ever-Married Women, 1900-2018

Variation in Percentage Currently Separated/Divorced According to Race and Ethnicity, 1940-2018

  • Among ever-married women in 1940, about 2% were currently separated/divorced regardless of race/ethnicity, except for Asians (0.9%).
  • In 2018, Other and Hispanic ever-married women had similar shares who were separated/divorced, at 24% and 22%, respectively.
  • The percentage of Black ever-married women who were separated/divorced diverged from the other groups early in the period, rising to 33% by 2018.
  • Asian ever-married women have had the lowest percentage separated/divorced at every decade since 1940, with only 11% currently separated or divorced in 2018.

Figure 3. Percentage of Ever-Married Women Currently Separated/Divorced, by Race 1940-2018

5-color line chart showing Figure 3. Percentage of Ever-Married Women Currently Separated/Divorced, by Race 1940-2018

Variation in Percentage Currently Separated/Divorced According to Educational Attainment, 1940-2018

  • Among ever-married women in 1940, about 3% in all education groups were separated/divorced.
  • In 2018, those with some college education had the highest percentage of those separated/divorced with 24%, followed closely by those with a high school education (22%) and those with less than a high school education (21%).
  • Ever-married women with a bachelor’s degree or higher had the lowest percentage who were currently separated/divorced at 16% in 2018.  

Figure 4. Percentage of Ever-Married Women Currently Separated/Divorced, by Educational Attainment 1940-2018

4-color line graph showing Figure 4. Percentage of Ever-Married Women Currently Separated/Divorced, by Educational Attainment 1940-2018

Data Sources

  • Plateris, A. A. (1973). 100 Years of Marriage and Divorce Statistics United States, 1867-1967. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital and Health Statistics. Series 21: Data from the national vital statistics system. Data on natality, marriage, and divorce, no. 24; DHEW publication no. (HRA) 74-1092. Retrieved from https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/12831
  • Ruggles, S., Flood, S., Goeken, R., Grover, J., Meyer, E. Pacas, J., & Sobek, M. (2020). IPUMS USA: Version 10.0 [dataset]. Minneapolis, MN: IPUMS, 2020. https://doi.org/10.18128/D010.V10.0
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Monthly Vital Statistics Reports. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/mvsr.htm#43_12s
  • Carlson, L. & Schweizer, V. J. (2020). Widowhood: Decades of change. Family Profiles, FP-20-23 . Bowling Green, OH: National Center for Family & Marriage Research. https://doi.org/10.25035/ncfmr/fp-20-23
  • Schweizer, V. J. (2020). Marriage: More than a century of change. Family Profiles, FP-20-21 . Bowling Green, OH: National Center for Family & Marriage Research. https://doi.org/10.25035/ncfmr/fp-20-21

Suggested Citation

  • Schweizer, V. J. (2020). Divorce: More than a century of change, 1900-2018. Family Profiles, FP-20-22 . Bowling Green, OH: National Center for Family & Marriage Research. https://doi.org/10.25035/ncfmr/fp-20-22

rising divorce rate essay

This project is supported with assistance from Bowling Green State University. From 2007 to 2013, support was also provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and should not be construed as representing the opinions or policy of any agency of the state or federal government.

research brief on more than a century of change in divorce

Updated: 04/06/2021 02:08PM

Neel Burton M.D.

The Rise and Fall of Divorce

Why did divorce rise, and why is it now falling.

Updated June 24, 2024

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According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, the divorce rate in the U.S. rose from 14.9 per thousand married women in 1970 to a peak of 22.8 in 1980. It subsequently fell back to 15.7 per thousand in 2018, a fall of over 30 per cent since 1980.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the divorce rate in England and Wales rose from 4.7 per thousand married men and women in 1970 to a peak of 14.1 in 1993. It subsequently fell back to 8.4 per thousand in 2018, a fall of over 40 per cent since 1993.

This sounds like good news for marriage, but before we jump to conclusions, let’s look into the reasons for the rise and then fall in the divorce rate.

Here are seven reasons for the initial increase in the divorce rate:

1. Divorce is easier to obtain. Henry VIII of England had to break from the Catholic Church to do away with Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. In the U.K., prior to 1857, divorce called for an Act of Parliament. In 1858, there were just 24 divorces in England and Wales; in 1900, there were 512. Until as recently as 1971, divorce usually required proof of fault, such as adultery , abandonment, cruelty, or intoxication. Between 1971 and 1972, the number of divorces in England and Wales leapt from 74,437 to 119,025. In 1970, California became the first U.S. state to introduce no-fault divorce.

2. Women are more independent. Women have better rights, including under divorce law. More and more women are financially independent. Those who aren’t are able to claim welfare. All this means that women are in a much better bargaining position. In the U.K., wives petition about two-thirds of divorces, and generally obtain the better settlement.

3. Divorce is more socially acceptable. With the increasing secularization of society, marriage is seen more as a social contract than a sacrament. In the past, couples often stayed together for the sake of the children; but today, many people take the view that, by removing them from conflict, divorce can actually be good for the children.

4. Divorce breeds divorce. Studies have found that, compared to first marriages, second and subsequent marriages are more likely to end in divorce. Couples in reconstituted families are more likely to get divorced , and children with a divorced parent are more likely, one day, to get divorced.

Other risk factors for divorce include: coming from very different backgrounds; knowing each other for a short time before marriage; young age; poor educational attainment; financial strain; addiction to alcohol or drugs; sexual promiscuity; misaligned sex drives or other sexual incompatibility; and disagreement about whether or not to have children.

5. People are living longer. Between 1970 and 2015, life expectancy in the U.K. rose from 72.0 to 81.6 years, which is about double the life expectancy in 1841. As a result, it has become much harder to wait for death to do the job of divorce.

6. People have unrealistically high expectations of marriage. In the past most people married for pragmatic reasons, or because they had no choice. Today most people marry for romantic love , and expect forevermore to remain romantically fulfilled. But people are flawed and fallible, and love comes and goes.

7. We live in a consumerist culture. Our society is more individualistic and materialistic than ever before. As a result, we tend to focus on what we lack, rather than on all that we already have. When something is broken, we don’t bother to repair it: we just throw it out and replace it with a newer model.

And here are five reasons for the subsequent decline in the divorce rate:

1. People are waiting longer to get married. People are waiting longer to get married. Between 1974 and 2016, the average age of marriage in England and Wales rose from 28.8 to 37.9 for men and 26.2 to 35.5 for women. Young age is a risk factor for divorce.

2. People are waiting longer to have children, and having fewer of them. In England and Wales, the average age of mothers at the birth of their child rose from 26.7 to 30.5 years between 1970 and 2017. In the same period, the fertility rate fell from 2.44 to 1.76 in the U.K., and from 2.48 to 1.76 in the U.S. Compared to more children earlier, fewer children later puts less strain on a marriage.

rising divorce rate essay

3. Fewer people are getting married. Cohabitation and singledom are more socially acceptable, while marriage has become something of a lifestyle choice. Many jurisdictions offer alternative forms of civil union, such as the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS) in France or Civil Union in New Zealand. In the E.U., the share of children born outside of marriage rose from 27.3 per cent in 2000 to 43.0 per cent in 2016. In 2016, extramarital births outnumbered births inside marriages in several E.U. countries, including France, Sweden, and Portugal. People who choose marriage over its alternatives are probably better suited to it, and to their partner.

4. Marriage is becoming a middle class institution. A 2017 research brief looking at Americans aged 18 to 55 found that 56 per cent of the middle- and upper-class are married, compared to just 39 per cent of the working-class and 26 per cent of the poor. People who are skilled, affluent, and from similar backgrounds are less likely to get divorced.

5. People are more isolated than ever before. A U.S. study found that, between 1985 and 2004, the proportion of people reporting having no one to confide in almost tripled. In 1985, respondents most frequently reported having three close confidants; by 2004, this had fallen to none. People who have no social network to fall back upon may be less likely to leave their marriage.

In conclusion, the fall in the divorce rate may seem like good news for marriage. But in reality, divorce is falling because marriage is dying—or, at least, dying as a universal institution.

Read more in For Better For Worse: Essays on Sex, Love, Marriage, and More .

National Center for Family and Marriage Research: Divorce rate in the U.S.: Geographic variation, 2018.

Office for National Statistics: Divorces in England and Wales: 2018.

Office for National Statistics: Marriages in England and Wales: 2016.

Office for National Statistics: Births in England and Wales: 2017.

Eurostat: Marriage and divorce statistics. Data extracted in March 2020.

Wilcox, W. Bradford, Wang, W., The Marriage Divide: How and Why Working-Class Families Are More Fragile Today, American Enterprise Institute (Sep. 25, 2017).

McPherson M et al. (2006): Social isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks over two decades. Sociological Review 71:353-375.

Neel Burton M.D.

Neel Burton, M.D. , is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and writer who lives and teaches in Oxford, England.

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What are the causes and effects of rising divorce rate?

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  1. Essay Plan: Assess the reasons for the long term increase in the

    Assess the reasons for the long term increase in the divorce rate (20) This essay looks at social policies such as the 1969 divorce act, changes to gender roles, economic factors, secularisation and postmodernisation. Introduction - The divorce rate has generally increased since the 1960s. The number almost trebled in the years following the ...

  2. IELTS Essay # 1443

    The surge in divorce rates across the globe calls for introspection and proactive solutions. This essay delves into some potential causes and proposes strategies to address this pressing issue. One significant factor contributing to the rising divorce rate is the evolving landscape of marriage expectations.

  3. The Rate of Divorce Has Increased Dramatically

    Sample Essay 1. The escalating trend of divorces in many parts of the world reflects deep-seated changes in societal norms and economic conditions. This essay aims to discuss the growing independence and career aspirations as a root cause of these rising divorce rates and propose the integration of adaptable relationship structures as a viable ...

  4. Is Divorce On The Rise—And What Factors Are Contributing To It?

    Both the marriage and divorce rates have declined from 2011 to 2021. In 2011, there were 9.7 divorces per 1,000 women in the US. In 2021, the divorce rate decreased to 6.9 per 1,000 women. The same goes for marriage. In 2021, the marriage rate was 14.9 per 1,000 women, down from 16.3 a decade ago.

  5. What are the causes and effects of rising divorce rate?

    Another factor contributing to the rising divorce rates is financial strain and economic pressures within marriages. Financial hardships, unemployment, or discrepancies in earning potential can strain relationships, leading to marital discord and eventual dissolution. For instance. , economic instability might exacerbate conflicts, causing ...

  6. Divorce: More than a Century of Change, 1900-2018

    This is a companion profile to FP-20-21 on marriage and FP-20-23 on widowhood. Change in the Divorce Rate in the U.S., 1900-2018. Almost four times as many women experienced a divorce in 2018 compared to 1900, with rates of 15.7 and 4.1, respectively. The peak divorce rate of 22.6 occurred in 1980 but has since declined.

  7. The Rise and Fall of Divorce

    According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, the divorce rate in the U.S. rose from 14.9 per thousand married women in 1970 to a peak of 22.8 in 1980. It subsequently fell ...

  8. Worldwide Increasing Divorce Rates: A Sociological Analysis

    The mean age of women on the verge of divorce was 33 ± 8.51 years and for men 37.2 ± 6.13 years. Fifty percent of the couples had a bachelor's degree and 62.5% of them were self-employed. Most ...

  9. What are the causes and effects of rising divorce rate?

    What are the causes and effects of rising divorce rate? ... One significant factor that leads to a higher rate of . divorce. is that are many recreational facilities that divert . parents. ... A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which ...

  10. Examine the reasons for the rise in divorce rates (20 marks)

    Divorce is defined as the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body. There are many proposed reasons as to what has caused a rise in divorce rates over recent years, however, this essay will focus primarily on changing values and attitudes within society, legal changes and the changing position of women in relation to the family.