Causes and Effects of Increase in Divorce Rate - Essay Example

Causes and Effects of Increase in Divorce Rate There has been an increase in the divorce rate all over the world in general and particularly in the advanced countries. Divorce rate has particularly soared up ever since the start of the industrial age and especially since the introduction of television in the society. Divorce rate rapidly increased in many countries around the world in the 1960s (Harkonen 5). This can be attributed to the fact that the demands of modernity are often in conflict with the demands of the institution of marriage. Marriage is basically a religious matter and most of the changes in the modern age are not at terms with religion and its preaching. This paper explores the causes and effects of high rate of divorce. The causes of high divorce rate include but are not limited to changed gender roles in marriage and change in laws whereas some of the effects of high divorce rate include distorted family system, single parenthood, and depression. Gender roles in marriage have changed under the influence of media and this has caused an increase in the divorce rate. The soaps, commercials, and movies have inculcated the concept in the minds of the audience that in order to be modern and successful, it is imperative that both members in a couple work. The media has especially placed emphasis on the work of women. More job opportunities have been created for women in order to make it easy for them to find work. As a result, women have started paying more attention toward their careers and professions than their homes. In the past, men worked and assumed the responsibility of earning bread for the family whereas women stayed at home and took care of the children. “Women feel caught in the middle, burdened by increased demands from both work and family” (Clarke-Stewart and Brentano 34). More and more women are giving up in their struggle to strike a balance between family and work and are eventually heading for divorce. Before 1970, couples needed to justify their attempt to seek divorce by proving at least one of the partners guilty of something or being at fault. Reasons that made divorce seem justified in the eyes of the law included but were not limited to cruelty, abandonment, intoxication, cheating, and adultery. However, some states introduced the option of no-fault divorce in the 1950s. Under the changed law, the need for couples to prove one of the partners being at fault was obviated. Instead, they could simply state that their marriage was not working. Nearly all states had allowed no-fault divorce by 1970. In the past, legalization of divorce used to be preceded by a long period of separation between the partners. However, gradually many states passed such laws which reduced the separation time between partners considerably and this also made it easier for the couples seeking divorce to get it. These laws played a very important role in increasing the divorce rate. “From 1940 to 1965, the divorce rate remained near 10 divorces for every 1,000 married women. By 1979, the rate had doubled” (“Why have divorce”). Distorted family system is a direct effect of increase in the divorce rate. This is quite understandable because divorce means breakage of couple. Accordingly, divorce means breakage of the whole family which is the building block of society. Broken families not only subject the broken couple to a lot of social and emotional challenges, but their effects are also very traumatizing and psychologically demanding for the children. Children have to choose between living with their fathers or their mothers. Often, in their attempt to keep children with them, both partners indulge in legal proceedings that end up making children shuttle cocks between their parents. Children cannot relate to either of the two parents because of the emotional trauma that comes with it. The effects of broken family system are not only immediate but also keep showing in the long run. Children raised in such family systems grow up to become irresponsible spouses. They do not put effort in sustaining marriages on their own turn because they have not seen their parents do it. Divorce puts many “on a downward trajectory from which they might never fully recover” (Amato). The effect resonates and passes over generations. Single parenthood is an effect of increase in divorce rate. After breaking apart from each other, either of the two parents keeps the children in most cases. As a single parent, it becomes very difficult for the parent to take care of the children. Not only does the parent have to work in order to provide for the children, but the parent also has to take care of the domestic needs of the child. These needs include but are not limited to administering homework, cleaning clothes, and providing food and shelter for the children. While it is easier for a couple to manage and arrange all these things for their children, it becomes extremely hectic for a single parent to do it. As a result, many people leave their children with their uncles and aunts or grandparents. No other guardian can be a substitute for a real parent. Children are also exposed to the risk of sexual abuse in such circumstances. To conclude, divorce rate has rapidly increased over the past few decades. Some causes of increase in divorce rate are change in gender roles under the influence of media, and change in laws in favor of easier divorce whereas some effects of increase in divorce rate include broken families and single parenthood. Increase in the divorce rate is a sad reality and much needs to be done at all levels in order to control it. In order to control the ever increasing divorce rate, there needs to be change in policies and laws. Firstly, media should create awareness about the effects of divorce by making soaps and movies based on it. Secondly, laws should be changed so that couples find it difficult to get divorce. Works Cited: Amato, Paul R. “The Consequences of Divorce for Adults and Children.” Journal of Marriage and Family. Vol. 62. (2000): 1269. Clarke-Stewart, Alison, and Brentano, Cornelia. Divorce: Causes and Consequences. Yale University Press, 2008. Print. Harkonen, Juho. “Divorce: Trends, Patterns, Causes, Consequences.” Stockholm University. 2013. Web. 19 Nov. 2014. . “Why have divorce rates increased over time?” 2014. Web. 19 Nov. 2014. . Read More