Marital Breakdown

The Causes and Consequences of Marital Breakdown
Marital breakdowns and divorces have become common in the last few centuries. These are frequently discussed phenomena in our modern society with various causes and heavy consequences. There is no single reason why a relationship begins to break down. However, once a relationship does start to decline, there is a predictable sequence of events that tends to occur. A marriage and divorce study from Britani, 1989-1999 clearly shows the rising tendency of divorces and remarriages not only in England and Wales but also in other countries all over the World. Many professional sociologists and psychologists search and deal with this social incident.
The causes of divorce are different for every marriage. Great expectations, bad relationship and financial situation are considered dangerous in a marriage. Sociologists Ronald Fletcher and Talcott Parsons argue that marital breakdown is increasing because people want more from their marriage. Spouses are more likely to end their relationship because they do not find it acceptable or appropriate. This argument is supported by the fact that the rate of remarriage is increasing according to Marriage and divorce rates from 1989-1999. Famous sociologist William J. Goode claims there is more pressure on marital relationships since the family is more isolated and nuclear. Wider kinship with more members in the family helps to distribute and share the emotions which are generated inside a marriage. The “emotional balloon” can easily pop without talking about problems and feelings. Income and class also affect the probability of divorces. With a lower family income the rate of separation and divorce increases. Divorce studies in Britain show a relationship between occupational class and divorce. Low financial background and social level results a higher divorce rate. Marital breakdown is also connected with the age of the spouses. The divorce rate is unequivocally increased among teenagers or young adults. This factor is also linked to class because working-class marriages are common at an earlier age. Marital breakdown is also more likely if the spouses have different social background. Frequent separations between spouses and more contact with the opposite sex may lead to early divorce.
The consequences of marital breakdown can vary from individual to individual. The divorce can be a very traumatic time for the couple and their family. It can lead to serious social, emocional or educational problems. Family stability plays an important role in children’s education, therefore, major changes may lead to learning problems. According to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers in Britain, the decline of marriage and family is leading to underachievement and discipline problems in schools. The Association thinks these “socially handicapped” children create a “toxic circle” that nothing can effectively reverse. Children raised in two-parent families have an advantage. They are less likely to drop out of school, become a teen parent, be arrested or unemployed. There may be other disadvantages, such as economic vulnerability which can cause financial problems in the future. The spouses may easily lose their homes or other values. A divorce experience during adolescence may have stronger effects than at earlier ages. Even so, many couples whose marriages break down are able to successfully move on with their lives.
In conclusion, I think the majority of marriages could be saved with an appropriate psychological help. Group therapies are also popular and effective to prevent this social issue. There are many professional marriage guidance counselors who may help even in hopeless situations. Women and men should realize that marriage is not a trend from which you can jump out without any consequences. Spouses should also learn how to maintain a positive attitude in a relationship and how to approach the opposite sex.