Marxist and Feminist Views on Marriage Breakdown
Marxists blame capitalism for creating divorce-inducing problems. They argue that competition for wealth and power between spouses creates serious relationship tensions, especially in working-class families who face the most financial pressure.
The concept of dual burden is crucial here - women work full-time jobs whilst still doing most of the housework and childcare, creating enormous stress that can destroy marriages.
Feminists focus on how women have been historically oppressed within marriage. In the past, many women felt completely trapped in empty shell marriages - relationships that looked normal from the outside but were emotionally dead inside.
The fact that women initiate most divorces today is actually seen as progress by feminists. It shows that women no longer feel powerless and can escape unhappy situations.
💡 Key Point: Both Marxists and feminists see divorce as a symptom of deeper inequalities in society.