Feminist like Hart suggest high divorce rates occur because of women’s dual oppression as workers and mothers. Failure by men to redistribute power in homes leads to divorce as the stress of work and housework is too great. Women want friendship and emotional gratification more then men do.
Also women’s expectations have changed as a result of good educational and career opportunities experienced since 1980’s. In the 1960’s most divorces were initiated by men. In the 1990’s and beyond 75% were stated by women. Women are no longer putting up with unhappy marriages because they are financially dependent on their husbands. In addition wives may feel a burden on housework and children. Sociologist like Thomas and Collard suggested women now expect far much more from marriage and are less satisfied with their marriages if it doesn’t workout.
In addition changes in the social position of women. Better rights, increased job opportunities and the provision of state financial support can all contribute to enhancing the position of women in conjugal relationships. Women have, in the past 100 years, achieved many new rights in terms of property, the vote, employment and education, and the rise in divorce may reflect this shift in the position of women within society and make them less willing to accept an unsatisfactory marriage. In 1946, 45% of petitions were by wives. In 1986-1990, 73% of petitions were by wives. In addition women’s independence has affected divorce rates. In the mid 1990’s women made up 54% of the workforce. This suggests women do no longer have to stay in unhappy marriages for economic factors.
However
To some extent divorce is not lead by women’s expectations. But in fact changes in law. Removal of legal and financial barriers: Prior to 1857, divorce could only be obtained by Act of Parliament. The grounds for divorce were based on matrimonial offences; this remained the basis for divorce until 1971. In 1971, The Divorce Reform Act of 1969 replaced blame with irretrievable breakdown. The 1985 Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act reduced the time limit on divorce from a minimum of three years of marriage to one. This has simply made divorce easier to obtain if couples want it. Clearly, some couples are simply taking advantage of more liberal divorce laws.
Another factor is the changing in social values which lead to high divorce rates. There is now considerably less social stigma and blame attached to divorce. Wilson (1966) argues that this reduction in stigma is a result of secularization, the decreasing influence of religion in contemporary society. Less than 50% of marriages now involve a religious ceremony. The idea of a lifelong marriage blessed by God is clearly less significant now than previously. Attitudes towards the effect of divorce on children may have shifted. It had been considered in the past that couples should remain together for the sake of the children. Now it is more commonly thought that children are better off if parents split up so that they are not exposed to constant parental conflict.
Moreover the factor of demographic change. Anderson (l983) has pointed out that lifelong marriage in the past often lasted a relatively short time. Marriage was often late and life expectancy was short. The highest risk groups for divorce are; teenage brides, couples who had children early, couples with 4 or more children, local authority tenants, and couples with relatively low income. The underlying focus is clearly the financial condition of the marriage. Clearly, part of the explanation for higher divorce rates among those married as teenagers has to be other contributory factors. Factors associated with a higher risk of divorce such as manual employment, poor housing, and sharing accommodation with relatives.
In conclusion I do think divorce is increasing due to women’s expectations and attitudes but on the other hand the law has made it easier to get a divorce. Nowadays it is cheaper and easier to get divorced since 1971.