Who Divorces?

Who Divorces?
Who Divorces? is a 1979 book that presents the findings of a large-scale study into the characteristics of those who divorce, comparing them with those of men and women whose marriages were still intact. It also discusses the causes and consequences of divorce, both for the individual and for society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The divorce rate in England and Wales experienced a significant surge, nearly quadrupling between 1950 and 1976. However, the impact of the 1969 Divorce Reform Act, which came into effect in January 1971, was even more profound, with the divorce rate more than doubling in the five years following its implementation. Despite the widespread public discourse on the rising divorce rates, objective data about those who chose divorce or the potential causes and consequences of such decisions were scarce in society at the time.

In 1979, a groundbreaking book titled "Who Divorces?" emerged, marking the first publication from the Marriage Research Centre. This book was a significant milestone in a relatively unexplored field, shedding light on the characteristics of individuals who chose to end their marriages. Conducted by a large-scale study, it examined the backgrounds, experiences, and characteristics of a random sample of men and women who had divorced and compared them with a random sample of men and women whose marriages remained intact. Furthermore, the book delved into the causes and consequences of divorce, both for the individual and for society, engaging with the diverse range of opinions prevailing on these matters.

The findings of the study revealed several key insights. Firstly, it was observed that certain childhood, adolescent, pre-marital, and marital characteristics were associated with an increased likelihood of divorce. For instance, individuals who had experienced parental divorce or had grown up in single-parent households were more likely to divorce later in life. Similarly, factors such as early sexual experiences, low educational attainment, and marital conflict were also linked to higher divorce rates.

Furthermore, the study explored the impact of divorce on individuals and society as a whole. It was found that divorce can lead to emotional distress, financial instability, and social isolation for the individuals involved. It can also have broader societal consequences, such as increased poverty rates, reduced social cohesion, and challenges for children's well-being.

Despite the limitations of the study, which relied on self-reported data and may have excluded certain groups, "Who Divorces?" was a pioneering effort in understanding the dynamics of divorce and its societal implications. It paved the way for further research in the field and contributed to a growing awareness of the complexities surrounding divorce and its impact on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, the divorce rate in England and Wales witnessed a remarkable increase between 1950 and 1976, driven by various factors such as changing societal attitudes, economic opportunities, and the availability of divorce laws. The implementation of the 1969 Divorce Reform Act further accelerated this trend, leading to a doubling of the divorce rate in the following five years. While public discourse on divorce rates was widespread, objective data about those who chose divorce or the potential causes and consequences of such decisions were scarce.

"Who Divorces?" by the Marriage Research Centre was a groundbreaking book that shed light on the characteristics of individuals who divorced and explored the causes and consequences of divorce, both for the individual and for society. The study provided valuable insights into the factors associated with divorce and its impact on individuals and society, contributing to a growing understanding of this complex social phenomenon.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032469980