7.  Approximately 40% of all couples that marry in the U.K will get divorced.  In 1931, less than 4,000 people got divorced.  In 2004 the number of divorces reached their peak at 165,000  In 2009, the rate fell to 113,949

8.  Figures for divorce have risen dramatically over the last century.  Although the general trend in numbers divorcing has been upwards, there have been several periods when the number has declined – the early 1920s, the 1950s, the 1990s and now most recently.  There has also been times when the figure has risen rapidly – usually during or after wartime, or following changes in the law. (1916-1920 numbers trebled, 1936- 40 numbers doubled, 1941-50 numbers increased 5 fold, 1969-1972 numbers doubled)  The number of couples getting divorced has fallen for 6 years in a row from a high in 2004.  The average age for divorce increased very slightly for both men and women, to 44 and 41.5 respectively in 2009.

9. 1.Legal changes 2.Impact of feminism 3.The Welfare State 4.Changing Social Attitudes 5.Secularisation 6.Rising expectations of marriage 7.Increased life expectancy

10.  Prior to 1857 – divorce only available through private act of parliament. Very costly, upper class only.  1857 – new divorce court. Double standard for men and women.  From 1897 – separation orders available for the working class.  1923 – Women placed on equal footing with men, adultery only to be proved.  1937 – Other grounds included, desertion, cruelty and unsound mind.  1949-50 – Legal Aid Act gave assistance to those who couldn’t afford to go to court.  1970 – Divorce Reform act – No longer had to be a guilty party.  1985 – The Matrimonial & Family Proceedings Act: time limit for divorce reduced from 3 to 1 year.  1996 – Family Law Act required a ‘period of reflection’ of 18 months and compulsory marriage counselling sessions

11.  About three quarters of divorce petitions are from women.  Women have become more independent due to greater equality in the workforce.  Women are less financially and emotionally dependent on men.

12.  State benefits help divorced women – especially those with children  For example: Jobcentre Plus can help with childcare costs as long as you place your child with a registered childcare provider and you are doing something connected with your chosen career.

13.  Divorce has lost its stigma partly because there is so much of it.  In the past, divorce was rare and seen as scandalous.

14.  Secularisation is the decline of the influence of religion in society.  People are less likely to be influenced by religious teachings when considering divorce.

15.  Functionalists argue that people find the reality of marriage disappointing.  In the past, people would often marry for economic reasons, today most people marry ‘for love’ and happiness.

16.  If you marry in your late twenties you can expect to live for another 50 years.  This may mean people are more prepared for divorce if they fall out of love.  In the past they may have been prepared to stay in a loveless marriage as they would have fewer years to spend together.