Trends in Divorce and Theoretical Views

This page delves into the trends in divorce rates since 1969 and presents various theoretical perspectives on divorce. It explains that divorce was difficult and expensive before 1969, requiring proof of a matrimonial offense. The Divorce Reform Act of 1969 led to a significant increase in divorce rates, peaking in 1993 with 165,000 divorces. The page also discusses social causes for the increase in divorce and presents theoretical views from different sociological perspectives.

Example: The page mentions that 75% of divorces are filed by women, which may be explained by women's higher expectations of marriage and decreased willingness to tolerate unsatisfactory relationships.

Vocabulary: Secularisation - The process by which religion loses its influence over society.

The page explores various theoretical views on divorce:

1. New Right perspective: Views divorce as a cause of moral decline and the emergence of an "underclass."
2. Feminist view: Sees divorce as a result of changing expectations and women's empowerment.
3. Late modernity theories: Attribute the increase in divorce to individualism and greater choice in contemporary society.

Quote: "Divorce is one of the main causes behind the recent moral decline in the UK" - Charles Murray, 1990 (New Right perspective)

The page also outlines key legislative changes affecting divorce, including the Divorce Reform Act of 1969, the Matrimonial & Family Proceedings Act of 1984, the Family Law Act of 1996, and the 'No-fault' divorce law of 2022.

Definition: 'No-fault' divorce - A type of divorce where neither party needs to prove wrongdoing or fault on the part of their spouse to obtain a divorce.

Current Facts and Figures on Marriage and Cohabitation

This page presents current statistics and trends related to marriage and cohabitation in the UK. It highlights the decline in marriage rates and the increase in cohabitation. The page also explores the reasons for increasing cohabitation rates in England and changing attitudes towards relationships.

Key points on marriage trends include:

1. Marriage rates are at their lowest since 1920.
2. One-third of recorded marriages in 2012 were remarriages.
3. People are getting married later, with the average age for women being 30 and men 32 in 2012.
4. Fewer couples are marrying in churches, reflecting the trend of secularisation.

Highlight: The decline in religious marriages (from 60% in 1981 to 30% in 2012) illustrates the impact of social attitudes on divorce and marriage.

The page then focuses on the rise of cohabitation, defining it as "an unmarried couple in a sexual relationship living together." Cohabitation statistics UK show a significant increase, with 3.6 million cohabiting couples recorded in 2021, up from 1.5 million in 1996.

Example: The text notes that 75% of cohabiting couples expect to marry each other, suggesting that cohabitation is often seen as a pathway to marriage.

Reasons for increasing cohabitation rates 2021 include:

1. Declining stigma associated with living together before marriage
2. Increased career opportunities and financial independence for women
3. Secularisation and changing attitudes towards premarital sex
4. The view that marriage is oppressive and patriarchal (feminist perspective)

Highlight: The changing position of women in society has significantly influenced relationship patterns, contributing to both the increase in divorce rates and the rise in cohabitation.

Same-Sex Relationships and Single-Person Households

This page examines current trends in same-sex relationships and single-person households in the UK. It presents statistics and facts about the increasing prevalence of these relationship and living arrangements.

Regarding same-sex relationships:

1. The Stonewall 2012 report indicates that around 5-7% of adults in Britain have same-sex relationships.
2. The Rainbow Britain report from Stonewall in 2022 suggests an increase in same-sex relationships.

Highlight: The increase in same-sex relationships reflects changing social attitudes and greater acceptance of diverse relationship forms.

The page also provides information on single-person households:

1. In 2013, 3 in 10 households were single-person households.
2. There has been an 8.3% increase in single-person households over the last 10 years, according to the 2021 census.
3. 40% of single-person households are occupied by individuals over 65.
4. Men under 65 are also likely to live alone.

Example: The increase in single-person households from 28% in 2012 to 31% in 2021 demonstrates a significant shift in living arrangements.

These trends in same-sex relationships and single-person households further illustrate the changing patterns in relationships and living arrangements in contemporary UK society. They reflect broader social changes, including increased acceptance of diverse lifestyles and changing family structures.

Page 4: Diverse Family Forms

Modern family structures show increasing diversity, including same-sex relationships, one-person households, and changing childbearing patterns.

Definition: Living Apart Together (LATs) refers to couples who maintain separate residences while in a relationship.

Example: Stonewall (2012) reports that 5-7% of British adults have same-sex relationships.

Highlight: Children born outside marriage increased from 25% in 1986 to 47% in 2016.

Changing Patterns in Relationships

This page introduces the topic of changing patterns in relationships, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of trends in divorce, marriage, and cohabitation in the UK. The title suggests a focus on the evolving nature of personal relationships over time.

Highlight: The page title "Changing patterns" indicates that the document will examine how relationships have transformed over the years, likely due to various social, legal, and cultural factors.