Divorce

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyse the multi-causal nature of rising divorce rates in the UK since 1945, specifically the spike following the Divorce Reform Act 1969 and the subsequent plateau. Analysis must integrate legislative changes, shifting social norms (secularisation), the economic emancipation of women, and the sociological evolution of marriage from a binding contract to a 'pure relationship'. Evaluation of the consequences for family structure (e.g., rise in lone-parent and reconstituted families) is essential.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Divorce Reform Act 1969 (introduced 'irretrievable breakdown')
    • Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (reduced time bar to one year)
    • Gibson's theory on secularisation and declining religious influence
    • Fletcher's theory of 'higher expectations of marriage'
    • Current estimate that approximately 42% of marriages end in divorce

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit linkage of the 1971 divorce spike to the Divorce Reform Act 1969
    • Credit application of sociological concepts such as 'secularisation' and 'stigma' when explaining long-term trends
    • Candidates must contrast New Right views on family breakdown with Feminist views on female emancipation
    • Reward analysis that distinguishes between legal divorce, separation, and empty shell marriages

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Prioritize the Divorce Reform Act 1969 as the primary legal catalyst in any trend analysis question
    • 💡Juxtapose New Right and Feminist perspectives to secure high AO3 marks in 'Discuss' questions
    • 💡Use specific terminology like 'confluent love' or 'pure relationship' to demonstrate conceptual mastery
    • 💡Ensure statistical claims from sources are backed by sociological theory, not just described

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the 'divorce rate' with the absolute number of divorces
    • Providing anecdotal reasons (e.g., 'people argue more') instead of sociological concepts (e.g., 'changing expectations of marriage')
    • Failing to acknowledge that the divorce rate has plateaued or declined in recent years due to fewer marriages

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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