Divorce Trends
What term describes the rise and fall of divorce rates that began to level off after the 1980s?
Divorce Revolution
What term describes a family in which one or both partners bring children from previous relationships?
A blended or stepfamily.
Which perspective focuses on how changing gender roles contribute to shifts in marriage and divorce?
Feminist theory.
What is the most common reason couples give for divorce in U.S. surveys?
Lack of commitment or communication breakdown
What term refers to ongoing contact and cooperation between divorced parents for their children’s benefit?
Co-parenting
Sociologists use the phrase ________ to refer to women being able to support themselves and are more likely to leave an unhappy marriage.
Independence Effect
Statistically, are remarriages more or less likely to end in divorce than first marriages?
More likely — second marriages have a higher divorce rate.
From a functionalist perspective, what function does divorce serve in society?
It allows dysfunctional relationships to end, restoring stability to the social system.
How does social class influence divorce rates?
Lower-income couples experience higher divorce rates due to financial stressors.
What sociological term describes uncertainty about family roles after divorce or remarriage?
Boundary ambiguity
Income Effet
From a symbolic interactionist view, what challenge do stepfamilies often face?
Negotiating new roles and meanings for “mother,” “father,” and “child.”
What does symbolic interactionism emphasize when studying blended families?
The meanings family members attach to their roles and interactions.
How are children typically affected by divorce in the short term, according to research?
They may experience stress or behavioral issues, but most adjust over time.
How might divorce rates be affected during economic recessions?
They often drop temporarily because divorce is costly.
How does no-fault divorce legislation affect divorce rates?
It made divorce easier by removing the need to prove wrongdoing, increasing divorce rates initially.
Which racial group has the lowest rates of blended families?
Asian Americans
Which theory views divorce as a result of competing interests between men and women in patriarchal systems?
Conflict theory (or feminist)
The divorce revolution (1960–1980) led to 60% of poor families with children being led by single mothers. What do sociologists call this phenomenon?
Feminization of poverty
How does age at first marriage relate to divorce risk?
Younger age at marriage is associated with a higher risk of divorce, while marrying later in life lowers the risk.
Which sociological perspective would analyze divorce as a way to restore equilibrium when a family no longer meets members’ needs?
Structural-functionalism.
What factor most increases the success of remarriages involving children?
Strong co-parenting and clear role boundaries.
How might exchange theory explain remarriage decisions?
Individuals remarry when perceived rewards outweigh potential costs.
Who is most likely to instigate the divorce process?
Women
What is the relationship between income level and divorce likelihood?
Couples with higher household income are generally less likely to divorce, as financial stability reduces marital stress and conflict.