Divorce

History of Divorce Probability of marriage ending in divorce has doubled since the early 1960s. About ¼ of all children born to married parents will experience the breakup of their parents’ marriage by age 12.

Three Eras of Divorce The Era of Restricted Divorce The Era of Divorce Tolerance The Era of Unrestricted Divorce

The Era of Restricted Divorce The time of a restrictive approach toward divorce, lasted until about the middle of the nineteenth century Divorce granted only on grounds of adultery or desertion Generally granted only to men Annulment: Ruling that a divorce was never properly formed

The Era of Divorce Tolerance Divorce tolerance occurred from mid-1800s until 1970 Grounds of divorce widened, more accessible to women Habitual drunkenness, mental cruelty added to grounds for divorce Marriage went from economic partnership to emotional partnership based on love and companionship

The Era of Divorce Tolerance Divorce rate rose substantially from late 1800s to early 1900s 8% in 1880s 12% in early 1900s 18% in 1920s

The Era of Divorce Tolerance Spikes in divorce after World Wars I and II Dip in divorce rate during the Great Depression To obtain divorce still had to prove spouse had done wrong

The Era of Unrestricted Divorce From 1970s to present Divorce usually granted without restrictions to any married person California first state to endorse “no fault” divorce due to irreconcilable differences By end of 1980s (most) every state in U.S. adopted “no fault” divorce

Diverging Divorce Rates in the U.S. Since 1980 the divorce rate has declined Married couples with college degrees are less likely to divorce Divorce rates have risen steadily for women with less education Divorce rates differ depending on social class

Factors Associated With Divorce What factors place a person at greater risk for divorce?

Factors Associated With Divorce Societal Risk Factors No-fault legislation – surge in divorce Cultural change – personal fulfillment Men’s employment - unsteady Women’s employment - increases

Factors Associated With Divorce Individual Risk Factors Age at marriage – teens at greater risk Cohabitation – higher divorce rate Parental divorce – children are more likely to divorce

Spouse Similarity People who are similar are less likely to divorce Have more compatible interests and values

How Divorce Affects Children Most children go through emotional adjustments after divorce Most children do manage to cope

Child Custody Legal custody: legal responsibility and right to make important decisions about the child Physical custody: right of a divorced spouse to have one’s children live with him/her

Child Custody Joint legal custody: both parents retain responsibility and decision-making about child Joint physical custody: arrangement where child spends substantial time in both parent’s households

Contact and Co-Parenting In reality, most children still remain in the care of their mothers most of the time.

Contact and Co-Parenting Cooperative parenting: parents coordinate activities and cooperate in raising children Parallel parenting: gravitate toward more detached style, both parents operating separately

Parental Conflict Most divorcing parents are able to reduce conflict after 2 or 3 years

Multiple Transitions Number of transitions may cause more adjustment problems than living in a particular kind of family. departure of parent from home loss of house, neighborhood, school other adults moving in and out of home