Outline and assess the main reasons for the increase in the Divorce rate since the 1970s.

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Outline and assess the main reasons for the increase in the Divorce rate since the 1970s.

Wide ranges of data and theories have helped to show and illustrate why divorce rates have increase since the 1970s. Since then many laws and theories have been set and ruled.

          In 1971 the government set “the divorce reform act”. This law made divorce easier and a lot cheaper for couples who decided they wanted a divorce and also allowed couples to divorce after only two years of marriage. Before this time divorces were hard to get and were only allowed on the basis of matrimonial offences, showing or proving that one partner had done wrong to the other. These matrimonial offences remained the main reason for divorce until 1971.  

          Since 1971 divorces were easily carried out for more reasons other than just matrimonial offences. Since the 1970s the rates have dramatically increased because a lot of teenagers and younger people are getting married and their relationships don’t last long leading to divorce.

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            In 1985 the 1984 Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act became effective, this allowed couples to divorce after only one year of marriage. By this time many more women were independent and were working, which was a challenge to men who still expected women to be at home and doing housework. This helped to increase the number of divorces.

              The expectation of more in marriages has been one major reason why a lot of couples file for a divorce. Writers such as Ronald Fletcher also see those ...

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