1. Sociology 1020-42

2.  Definition of Divorce  Divorce Rates  Top Five Reasons Couples Divorce  -Discussions on  Abuse  Incompatibility  Effects of Divorce on Society  The Effects of Divorce on Children  Steps Society Can Take  Steps Individuals Can Take  Setting Goals for your Marriage  Your Happily Ever After  Conclusions

3.  Divorce is a legal dissolution of a marriage. 

4.  According to divorcerates.com, divorce rates across the globe have been rising rapidly owing to certain problems like incompatibility between couples, infidelity issues, lack of trust and understanding, and financial pressures. It is sad to observe that the rising divorce rates across the world and see marriages breaking.  According to this website, in the year 2012, the United States was ranked as having the 6 th highest divorce rate at approximately 40-50%, with Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Cayman Islands as the 5 countries with higher divorce rates.

5.  While there are varying views on reasons for divorce, these seem to be the top 5 reasons (in no particular order):  Abuse  Abandonment  Infidelity  False expectations  Incompatibility  We will look at a couple of these in the following slides:

6. PhysicalSexualEmotionalMental

7. When couples do not share the same views on important things, such as religion, interests, or intellect, it can lead to an unhappy relationship

8. It should be no surprise that divorce has a profound effect on individuals as well as on society. Of course, children suffer a great deal through divorce. Therefore, we will discuss some of the effects of divorce on children:

9. AbuseBehavioral issuesHealth issuesPoverty

10. Children of divorced parents struggle with spelling, math, and reading Children of divorced parents have higher dropout rates Suicide risk is higher among children whose parents are divorced

11.  Public Health campaigns to educate parents on the effects of divorce on their children  Public Health and other support for educating those who divorce on how do deal with issues related to divorce, such as visitations, finances, unresolved feelings, etc.  Make counseling an affordable option to all couples

12. Keep your relationship alive Keep communication open Educate yourself on what marriage involves

13.  “When you identify goals that are important to you, you begin to figure out ways to make them happen.” (Nikitina, 2010) Believe it can be accomplished Are you willing and able to do the work involved? Is the goal attainable?

14. Consider counseling before marriage to more fully understand one another Don’t expect perfection, but know what you want in a companion Be realistic in choosing a mate; know yourself and your mate

15.  Depends on you.  Sometimes even with the best efforts, marriages end in divorce. If it does, take steps to resolve feelings of loss, legal issues with children and visitation, and financial needs. Find resources in your community.  Work on your relationship every day; work on finding joy and happiness in yourself as well as in your partner. 4smart.org

16.  Divorce is prominent in our society; in fact, it is 10 times more prominent today than a century ago (Social Problems, John Macionis). Many studies have shown how much affect it has, not only on the adults involved, but on the children, who will grow up to be our leaders tomorrow. Avoiding divorce, where possible, can save a lot of heartache for all involved. When divorce is necessary, taking steps to deal with the issues involved can restore peace to all involved.