The Social Problem of Divorce

The Social Problem of Divorce Student’s Name University Affiliation According to Grapes (2015), divorce entails termination of a marital union. When it occurs the social bond of love and companionship breaks between partners. This is a social problem that distracts the social order of society. The law defines marriage as a social contract between a husband and wife, in case one of the parties to the agreement fails to perform the obligations stipulated a divorce may result. The 20th century has seen divorce rates increase from 10% to 33% globally. This is much in the developed countries where human rights are observed strictly. Infidelity is a major cause while some of the divorces occur without any reason. Globalization has increased mixed marriages between different social groups. The difference results from race, religion and nationality. With the modern generation feeling free to marry from anywhere family members who stick old stereotypes hence bringing opposition. Divorce arising out of social dispute can be resolved through dialogue and mediation. In case the conflict becomes difficult to resolve divorces appears as the final solution. Changes in demographic structure have led to increased divorce cases around the world. As people become more educated, social classes emerge, and income gap decreases between the social classes. Individualism has become a social norm, and people tend to value their privacy and not ready to welcome a partner. Individuals strive for personal satisfaction forgetting their spouses. It is out of unhappiness and boredom that many will end up breaking the bonds of marriage. The change of women's role with most becoming financially stable and hence less dependent on men. Most will feel comfortable when bringing up their kids alone without the assistance of their husbands. Social disorder not only affects the two parties undertaking the divorce but children, relatives and friends are psychologically affected. This may end up causing depression when children are brought up separately. Children feel complete when growing in the presence of two parents. They tend to have a sense of belongingness which increases self-confidence and intellectual ability. A perfect family shows an excellent example of the society and most people envy being in a healthy relationship. The family unit brings development when both husband and wife join ideas and efforts. Parents and children view divorce differently. While a marriage contract only exists between husband and wife, there is a strong bond between children and parents that entitles children to a place of belongingness. The social protection ensures children feel safe in the hands of their parents more than anybody else. The role of bringing up children is a challenging one that requires combined efforts and the family unit. This may end in the event of divorce. Children who grow up in an intact family where both biological parents are present perform better in a wide range of outcomes than children growing up in a single-parent family. Single parenthood independently contributes to social problems that affect the lives of children. Inadequate guidance and counselling increase school dropout cases, teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse. The relationship between in-laws and the extended family becomes weak during divorce. Family unity ensures financial stability in case of dissolution it becomes hard to achieve required financial objectives to bring progress in the family unit (Parrillo & Sage, 2014). For those children who have experienced divorce directly, most display behavioral reactions and sad emotions in the days following the event. It may become worse to the point that brings depressive symptoms, poor social relationship and deteriorating academic performance. Parents will always feel troubled by their children reactions towards divorce. Different custody arrangements divide children among parents, and this negatively affects the social relationship among siblings. The society views divorce as an injustice both to the family unit and to the social life of the community. It sets a bad example to other people who may end up terminating their relationships. It is argued that all marriages face significant challenges but divorce should be the last option. The family is a basic unit of society and need to preserve at all cost (Buckley,2012, p.98). Although divorce can be a solution to solving bad marriage, most traditions and cultural norms devise means and solutions that prevent its occurrence. Divorced adults become impoverished when their children undergo psychological and economic difficulties. Poor social development not only affects children but the society at large. Increased divorce rates have weakened the belief in the family as society's nucleus. A complete family unify people and provides emotional support for members to thrive socially. Mentally and physically weakened adults and children from the divorce events becomes less productive as social participants. Maintaining a family becomes worthwhile, and many avoid starting a relationship with the fear of divorce. Children of divorced household fail to marry or end up entering in high-risk marriages that do not last long (Buckley,2012). This phenomenon disturbs the social harmony of a community. Divorce increases poverty levels in particular to children and women. This is because economic resources decrease when the family bond is broken. There is social life disruption for those involved both in child care and school arrangements. Poor moral guidance to children breeds a bad character and social defiance. These children may end up committing severe and minor crimes. Lagging academic achievement is common among children whose parents have divorced. When children lives are disrupted, it makes it harder for them to perform well. Marriage as a legal contract has two parties who have duties to observe. In case one party goes against the norm of the contract divorce may be allowed. When one of the partners is abusive, to prevent severity divorce can be the final option. There is a need for commitment from both sides to sustain a marriage. In case one of them fails to fulfil the obligations as per the contract divorce may be allowed on such grounds. Infidelity is a major reason for divorce since when one moves out of marriage is against the contract. This reduces the level of royalty among partners causing other marital problems. Drug addiction may lead to an abusive marriage that ends up damaging one of the parties to the contract. Mistreatment of children is another ground under which divorce can be allowed as this affects the main basis of marriage. The role of an advocate in a divorce case is mainly advisory and arbitraging. It is not morally upright for the advocate to support divorce unless when the situation warrants court action (Grapes, 2015, p. 75-77) In the modern world, diversity is embraced in all aspects. This has increased the level of interaction between people of different cultures. People are social beings, and multicultural marriages result from such interactions. Successful marriages depend on the behaviour of individuals and are not subject to stereotypes that come along from members of the society. When different cultures come together, there is a broad and rich relationship. One should understand and acknowledge customs of the other partner to avoid social conflict. To handle cultural and racial differences in marriage one should: challenge false beliefs, learn about the other culture, choose the positive side of the culture for his relationship, adjust to adapt to another culture and be patient in learning the new culture. Ethic is a factor that unites all cultures and once observed it is easy to adapt to new societal norms. References Grapes, B. J. (2015). Interracial relationships. San Diego, Calif: Greenhaven Press. Parrillo, V. N., Sage Publications., & Sage eReference (Online service). (2014). Encyclopedia of social problems. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications. Buckley, E. T. (2012). Divorce, a social problem. Montreal, P.Q: Grand Seminary. he social problem of divorce 6 Running head: THE SOCIAL PROBLEM OF DIVORCE 1