Abstract
This entry looks at the uncoupling of relationships, both married and cohabiting. The phenomenon of relationship dissolution has significantly impacted the family dynamics of both adults and children in most western nations since the last quarter of the twentieth century. The entry first provides a comprehensive overview of the sociological and legal definitions of divorce and describes the general societal trends in relationship dissolution. Next, it examines both the causes and the consequences of breakups, including exploring the temporal, personal, and societal factors that contribute to the instability of relationships. Finally, it looks at the consequences of divorce for both adults and children.
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Further Readings
- Amato, P.R. (2010) Research on divorce: continuing trends and new developments. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72 (3), 650–666. doi: 10.1111/j.1741–3737.2010.00723.x.
- M. Kreyenfeld and H. Trappe (eds) (2020) Parental Life Courses after Separation and Divorce in Europe, Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-44575-1.
10.1007/978-3-030-44575-1 Google Scholar
- Lyngstad, T.H. and Jalovaara, M. (2010) A review of antecendents of union dissolution. Demographic Research, 23, 257–292.
- D. Mortelmans (ed.) (2020) Divorce in Europe: New Insights in Trends, Causes and Consequences of Relation Break-Ups, Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-25838-2.
10.1007/978-3-030-25838-2 Google Scholar
