Comprehensive Explanation of the Increasing Issue of Divorce on Socio-Economic and Legal Standpoint

Comprehensive explanation of the increasing issue of divorce on socio-economic and legal standpoint  

INTRODUCTION

The growing incidence of divorce is considered as a key change that has been observed especially in case of the western families. Looking at the past researches, it wouldn’t be wrong to mention that relatively divorce was a very rare occurrence back then which has become a common issue now. The census figures clearly reflect this issue alongside the changing nature of time. For instance- around 30 years ago, divorce was being perceived in one case among ten of the marriages, but it has increased to one in three cases now. As per the study of Kilmartin, the consequence of divorce comes with a single parent family with different sorts of attendant troubles. So, divorce has become an ever-increasing issue from the sociologist point of view. In the essay, I want to critically examine the various aspects related to the sociological explanations associated with the phenomenon divorce. Along with this, I will also discuss the implications of social policy integrated with each of the explanations.

        Divorce is not only a concern which tends towards the sociologists, but also it is indeed an issue that has considerable impact on the society. It also determines the marital patterns going on in a society. The most favourable kind of explanations of this subject can be derived from the socio-economic framework. The changing nature of law is the point of focus that explains the situation of rising divorce. According to Jones, Bonnett and Bilton, the rising speed of divorce cases are not necessarily the indication of more unstable families in the modern society. However, it may be possible that because of martial instability more cases of divorce are arising now. The changing nature of law is quite significant in case of accessibility to the unhappy couples to take legal solutions so that the pre-existing marital troubles can be solved. On the other hand, the explanation is based on lack of understanding about the change of legal system regarding this issue which is why the laws were changed in the first place?

        Among other types of explanations, Nicky Hart’s explanation is based on the wide changes of the society. According to her explanation, the impact of economic challenges on the families is the cause of marital breakdown or divorce. Material aspirations of the families are the reasons behind it as it puts a lot of pressure on the spouses and they become wage earners without having time to understand each other. With this approach, women are forced to become either economic providers or else homemakers, from which disappointment arises. As per the research study of Hart, the conflict between both of these roles creates a situation of marital breakdown.

        These above-mentioned explanations have various implications associated with the social policy about dealing with the increasing rate of marital instability. According to Bilton, many people think that liberal laws regarding divorce are the reasons behind the rising issue of marital breakdown. So, the solution by which stemming the increasing nature of this problem can be done is about making the laws less obtainable. Though, one might think of it as a reduction element that can reduce the divorce statistics, it is not a genuine solution. It is because; this approach may stop the rising number of divorce cases, but what about addressing the fundamental grounds of the issue? In addition to this, many social workers with much experience in this area have suggested that restricting this policy only worsen the marital problems among two couples. Here, there is a chance of violence occurs and its consequences are very tragic.