Marriage & Family – Week 7 Homework
Page 442
1. What factors bind marriages and families together? How have these factors changed, and
how has the divorce rate been affected?
ANS: As stated in our text, various factors can bind married couples together, such as economic
interdependencies, legal, social and moral constraints, relationship, and amongst other things. In
the recent years some of these factors have diminished their strengths. The modern generation
sees marriage in a different perspective altogether. Individuals today feel they are stable
independently; they do not need to rely on their spouse for emotional or financial support. Many
are career driven and soar to conquer their dreams over settling down with a family. Such
untraditional views have increased divorce rates.
2. How is “his” divorce different from “her” divorce? How are these differences related to
society’s gender expectations? In your observation, are the descriptions given in this
chapter accurate assessments of divorce outcomes for men and women today?
ANS: “Her” divorce often involves financial worries and task and emotional overload as she
tries to be the complete parent for the children. “His” divorce involves loss of time with children,
as well as a more general loneliness. Being the “visiting parent” is often difficult, but
maintaining the father-child bond is significant in a child’s adjustment to divorce. Our society
has traditionally envisioned the mother as the primary parent; she has the means to provide of the
child in ways that the father cannot. However from some real life examples I feel both partners
in a divorce suffer, cause of the divorce also makes things worse on the partner at fault. In the
recent years the society is becoming more accepting to divorced parents.
Page 470
2. The remarried family has been called an incomplete institution. What does this mean? How
does this affect the people involved in a remarriage? Include a discussion of kin networks
and family law. Do you think this situation is changing?
Page 442
1. What factors bind marriages and families together? How have these factors changed, and
how has the divorce rate been affected?
ANS: As stated in our text, various factors can bind married couples together, such as economic
interdependencies, legal, social and moral constraints, relationship, and amongst other things. In
the recent years some of these factors have diminished their strengths. The modern generation
sees marriage in a different perspective altogether. Individuals today feel they are stable
independently; they do not need to rely on their spouse for emotional or financial support. Many
are career driven and soar to conquer their dreams over settling down with a family. Such
untraditional views have increased divorce rates.
2. How is “his” divorce different from “her” divorce? How are these differences related to
society’s gender expectations? In your observation, are the descriptions given in this
chapter accurate assessments of divorce outcomes for men and women today?
ANS: “Her” divorce often involves financial worries and task and emotional overload as she
tries to be the complete parent for the children. “His” divorce involves loss of time with children,
as well as a more general loneliness. Being the “visiting parent” is often difficult, but
maintaining the father-child bond is significant in a child’s adjustment to divorce. Our society
has traditionally envisioned the mother as the primary parent; she has the means to provide of the
child in ways that the father cannot. However from some real life examples I feel both partners
in a divorce suffer, cause of the divorce also makes things worse on the partner at fault. In the
recent years the society is becoming more accepting to divorced parents.
Page 470
2. The remarried family has been called an incomplete institution. What does this mean? How
does this affect the people involved in a remarriage? Include a discussion of kin networks
and family law. Do you think this situation is changing?
