1. Destiny Redding

2. PROGRESSION OF DEVELOPMENT Cultures and Marriage What defines a successful marriage? What defines a failed marriage? Divorce. What are the positive impacts of divorce? What are the negative impacts of divorce and what universal impacts does it have?

3. 50% of marriages end in divorce (Masci 2004) 28.5% of children come from a broken home (Masci 2004) http://www.do-it-yourself-divorce.org/divorce/do-it-yourself-divorce/

4. Separate countries Increase in divorce rates Acceptance of divorce

5. Chinese Americans Saudi Arabians Unique and diverse societies Separate religious and cultural beliefs Who was studied? Various locations around the world Sudden increase in divorce rates http://www.echinacities.com/china-media/ten-cities- with-the-highest-divorce-rates-in-china_2.html40 http://www.totallifecounseling.com/services-therapy-orlando- florida-clermont-east-southwest-therapy-therapists- counselors/divorce/ http://blass.com.au/definitions/saudi%20arabia

6. Literature Review - Effects on children of divorce *psychological *social *academic - Financial effects of divorce METHODS

7. United States Drastic change between 1960 and 2002 Increased independence of women China Establishment of People’s Republic of China 1949 => marriage law Increased independence, increased individualism, weakening of traditional views Saudi Arabia Shari’a- Islamic Law Child marriage Historical Background

8. Results: Effects on Children Saudi Arabia United States Chinese -Increased risk of behavioral problems -Disconnect from non-custodial parent -Increased possibility of abuse -Academic struggles - Similar consequences of coping with divorced parent and coping with death of parent - Increased risk of depression; disgrace upon family -Father usually receives sole custody

9. United States Increased unpredictability of meals and finances Decrease in standard of living China Highest divorce rates in low educational areas Mothers denied property rights Saudi Arabia Financial effect could CAUSE the divorce Wife expected to provided monetary compensation Results: Financial Effects

10. Possible universal negative impacts of divorce continuously expanding Reduced standard of living Negative impacts on children -behavioral problems - increased risk of depression -academic effects CONCLUSION http://www.florida-divorce-lawyer.org/

11. Variation in the way that separate societies relayed information Lack of communication within Saudi Arabia – privacy issues under Shari’a Little conversation of the universal effects of divorce; focus on seperate COMMUNICATION

12. Call for further research Control for gender in analysis of “children” Studies on possible positive impacts of divorce – Biased way of viewing Call for mediation programs Increased availability of marriage and divorce related programs WHAT CAN WE DO WITH THIS INFORMATION?