Divorce

It is interesting to me that since 1980, almost 1/2 as many divorces have happened as marriages. However, marriages are beginning later in life than ever before (Berger, 2011). I think there are so many variables here. Society certainly is one. We live in the U.S. where marriage is viewed as the right thing to do. It's just what follows dating someone. Also, I think that when my grandmother was a child, for instance, divorce was sort of taboo. However, this has changed and divorce is more accepted by society. While we view this as a negative thing, in many situations, divorce is necessary. I certainly do not want to ever have to live through a divorce, and would do everything possible to avoid it, but I understand that in the case of a destructive marriage it may be necessary. In prior years, women had to rely on men completely to bring in the family income. Many women had no choice but to stay in an unhappy, destructive, or abusive relationship. This is not the case anymore. Women now have jobs outside of the home making it possible to live. However, I imagine it would still be quite a shock to have to leave a marriage, as a women ,and be able to support a family in any way comparable to what was before on a dual income.  In many cases, though, it would be necessary to just figure it out. Like we've learned, stability is key in the raising of children. If the household is simply not stable, I would be concerned for my children and want to do what I needed to do for them. I think as a society, we should be focused on people being sure of who they are marrying before entering into a marriage.