Table of Contents
Introduction
The subject of divorce is one that affects the cornerstone and fabric of the family. Divorce can simply be defined as the dissolution of marriage, (Clarke-Stewart, A., & Brentano, C. 2006 pp 331). There are various theories that have been postulated to try and explain the concept behind divorce. These theories include functionalist theory, conflict theory, and the symbolic interaction perspective. These theories have taken an advance step in defining the reason or factors leading to divorce in a family or between married couples. This paper therefore, reaffirms the importance and significance of the subject of divorce. It will clearly describe the processes and the effects of a divorce, from mental, psychological, financial, legal or parental.
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In the late 20th century, the world witnessed the significant change in the role and the improving status of women, both in the private and public life. These changes came with the women enlighten and expectation about the pursuit of happiness. It is for these factors that saw the increase in the divorce cases increase in the 20th century. Financial upheavals, emotional disparities, disappointments due to the unmeet expectations in marriage lead to the rise in divorce cases. The subject of divorce is critical because of the emotional aspect of it. According to Clarke-Stewart, A., & Brentano, C. 2006 pp 331, most emotions mount due to the unachievable expectations which they had when going into a marriage. Consequently, the perception that people have on marriage leads the drive or defines what marriage should look like. On the other hand, most people do not have the skills to work or solve their problems that lead to divorce. The main cause of divorce can be attributed to the irreconcilable differences. The irreconcilable differences is the case where the couples are not able to solve their problems and have reached a saturation It is believed by most people that 50% of marriages in the United States leads to divorce, however, this perception has been disputed, and that only a third of the marriages leads to dissolution. Most educated people are said to have very few cases of divorce because the educated tend to marry after the completion of their education and after settling and shaped the direction they want their marriages to take. They are also said to have better communication skills and negotiation skills to help them to amend the loose ends.
Whitehead, B. 1996, emphasize that the process of divorce involves various legal issues that ensures that the matrimony and responsibilities pertaining the marriage is dissolved and reorganized. In the divorce cases, the court might be involved, where the married couples through their counsel seek to separate and dissolve that family. The laws that govern divorces vary across the world, however, the common elements in the divorce includes the child custody in a divorce where the child is involved, or visitation, where another parent is allowed to visit their child.
There are various types of divorce, but the most recognized one are the; at fault and no fault divorce. The at fault divorces applies in the jurisprudence where a reason or evidence is need in which the spouse has failed to meet certain commitments as stipulated in the marriage contract. On the other hand, certain countries do not need the fault for a divorce. Other divorce mechanisms are the mediated or consensus divorce, in which the interested parties agree on the issues affecting them and amicably decide to part ways in a peaceful legal way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is very important for the divorcing parents to have the interest of the child at heart and not just their personal differences because the child has the right to both the parental love and care. The irreconcilable differences and the unmet expectations in marriage are some of the key causes of divorce.
- Clarke-Stewart, A., & Brentano, C. (2006). Divorce: Causes and consequences. Yale University Press. Pp 331
- Miller, G. H., & Thomas, C. R. (2002). The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study.
- Whitehead, B. (1996). The divorce culture: Rethinking our commitment to marriage and family.