Chapter 14Divorce

Divorce in the United States Macro Factors Contributing to Divorce Micro Factors Contributing to Divorce Consequences of Divorce for Spouses Effects of Divorce on Children Conditions of a Successful Divorce Alternatives to Divorce

Macro Factors Contributing to Divorce

Egalitarian Role perceptions - Marriages where women have egalitarian rather than traditional views have a higher divorce rate.

Economic independence of women - Wives who earn income can afford to leave husbands in an unhappy marriage.

Macro Factors Contributing to Divorce

Changing family functions and structure - There are fewer reasons to keep the family together.

Liberal Divorce Laws - No fault divorce laws permit easy divorce in every state

Few moral/religious sanctions

Macro Factors Contributing to Divorce

Divorce Models - The more divorced people one knows, the greater chance the person will divorce.

Mobility/Anonymity - With few ties and greater anonymity, the social control to stay married decreases.

Individualistic goals

Micro Factors Contributing to Divorce

Negative behavior - Sexual infidelity, drinking, not communicating, and anger.

Lack Of Conflict Resolution Skills - Spouses often attack, blame, fail to listen and don’t move conversation toward resolution.

Micro Factors Contributing to Divorce

Value Changes - Radical change to or from religion may rock a marriage.

Satiation - Going to new places, doing new things, and making time for intimacy tend to reduce this effect.

Micro Factors Contributing to Divorce

Extramarital relationship - New person is seen as alternative to negative interaction with spouse

Perception that being divorced is better than being married - 2/3 of applications for divorce filed by woman.

Top Ten Factors for Divorce

1. Courtship less than two years

2. Few common interests/values.

3. Marrying in teens.

4. Not being religiously devout.

5. Differences in race/education/religion/social class.

Top Ten Factors for Divorce

6. History of cohabitation.

7. Previous marriage.

8. No children.

9. Spending little leisure time together.

10. Urban residence.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences

Divorced more likely to be depressed, abuse alcohol/drugs and commit suicide.

Women have easier emotional time since they have more supportive relationships.

Men get involved in new relationships sooner.

Financial Consequences

Both women and men have lower incomes after divorce.

Income drop for women is 40%, for men 17%. Only 3% of divorces involve prenuptial

agreement. Over 50% of custodial mothers receive child

support which is inadequate and infrequent.

Minimize Negative Effects On Children

Factors Cooperative relationship between parents. Both parents stay involved in children's lives. Parents nurture children’s relationship with

other parent. Continue to assert parental authority. No new children in new marriage.

Minimize Negative Effects on Children

Factors Temperament of child that allows for easy

adjustment to change. Regular and consistent child support payments Limited changes in residence, friends, school,

teachers. Divorce mediation

A “Successful” Divorce

Factors Mediation rather than litigation. Co-parenting with ex-spouse. Each partner assumes some blame. View divorce positively. Avoid alcohol/drugs

A “Successful” Divorce

Factors Stress reduction via aerobic exercise. Continue interpersonal connections with

friends/family. Stop reliving divorce - let it go. Allow time to heal - 18 to 24 months.

Alternatives To Divorce

Annulment Separation Desertion