Divorce and Relationship Dissolution Divorce Historical Trends Before

Divorce and Relationship Dissolution

Divorce: Historical Trends § Before the mid-18 o 0 s, people married for physical and economic survival divorce not an option

National Picture

Age and Gender

Divorce Rates: Globally § § Belgian (2002): fewest number of marriages in the EU and the highest number of divorces Korea: prior to 1990, divorce was a cultural and legal taboo India (2004): estimated at 11 per 1000 people Japan: rate rose from 22% in 1990 to 38% in 2002.

Impact of Divorce § On adults § On children

Binuclear Families § 2 households continue to interrelate § Relationships between the 2 households can vary greatly

Challenges of Single Parent Families § § § Financial Stigma Having to juggle everything and making decisions alone

Remarriages and Stepfamilies

Defining and Measuring Stepfamilies § § Can be formed through legal marriage, cohabitation, marriage after childbirth or other arrangements. Stepfamilies are more common in the United States than in any other industrialized nation.

Happiness, Satisfaction, and Stability in Remarriage § Marital happiness and marital satisfaction are synonymous phrases that refer to the quality of the marital relationship whether or not it is permanent.

The Stability of Remarriages § § Remarriages are less stable than first marriages. Selection effect is prevalent.