Question 1

Marriage is still high on Americans' list of values. However, the value of marriage appears to be weakening for all the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Changes in child custody laws do not directly weaken the value of marriage, as they are more related to the welfare of children post-divorce rather than the institution of marriage itself.

Question 2

During the third stage of the divorce process, one of the partners begins to:

Accepted Answer

During the third stage of the divorce process, partners begin to imagine living apart. This is when the reality of divorce sets in and the couple starts thinking about life after divorce. They start to consider how they will live without their former partner, and begin to make plans for their future. This can be a difficult and emotional stage, as both partners come to terms with the end of their relationship.

Question 3

America's high divorce rate has been linked to all of the following factors EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

America's homogeneity has not been linked to the high divorce rate. In fact, some studies suggest that greater diversity and exposure to different cultures can actually decrease rates of divorce. The other factors listed (social upheaval, increased mobility, and changing gender roles) have all been identified as contributing to the high divorce rate in America.

Question 4

_____________ is credited with having the highest divorce rate in the world.

Accepted Answer

According to a study conducted by the UN, Russia currently has the highest divorce rate in the world. Approximately 50% of marriages in Russia end in divorce.

Question 5

The greatly increased life span means that marriages are now expected to:

Accepted Answer

With longer life spans, marriages are expected to endure much longer, as couples have more time together.

Question 6

Which couple is in the first stage of the divorce process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which couple is in the first stage...

Question 7

Changing gender roles in American society mean:

Accepted Answer

Changing gender roles mean that couples must negotiate parts of family life that used to be taken for granted, such as who does what household chores and who takes on the primary caregiver role for children. This can lead to a shift in traditional gender roles and require more equal division of responsibilities and decision-making in relationships. This does not necessarily mean that marriages are open to interpretation or that the institution of marriage is bound to fail.

Question 8

The term serial marriage suggests that Americans tend to:

Accepted Answer

The term "serial marriage" refers to the pattern of marrying, divorcing, and then remarrying again. This suggests that Americans are more likely to have multiple marriages throughout their lifetime rather than viewing marriage as a sacred or lifelong commitment. It also implies a focus on self-gratification rather than solely dating multiple partners before settling down in a long-term marriage.

Question 9

In the past, a good marriage was measured by how well each spouse:

Accepted Answer

In the past, a good marriage was measured by how well each spouse fulfilled the socially prescribed roles of husband and wife. This often meant that the husband was expected to provide for the family financially while the wife was responsible for household tasks and child-rearing. The success of a marriage was often tied to how well each spouse conformed to these gender expectations.

Question 10

The rate of divorce in this century has been:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The rate of divorce in this century...

Question 11

Cox and Demmitt believe that the relative freedom of individuals to make marital choices tends to breed:

Accepted Answer

According to Cox and Demmitt, the relative freedom of individuals to make marital choices tends to breed a certain amount of dissatisfaction.

Question 12

Marriages where the wife earns a higher percentage of the household income are:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that marriages where the wife earns a higher percentage of the household income are more likely to end in divorce. This may be due to factors such as traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Question 13

How can Americans' high expectations of marriage contribute to the high divorce rate?

Accepted Answer

When people have high expectations for their marriages, they are more likely to experience disappointment when those expectations are not met. This disappointment can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and ultimately contribute to a higher divorce rate.

Question 14

In the divorce process, the early signs of marital trouble are immediately followed by:

Accepted Answer

Distancing behavior often follows the early signs of marital trouble in the divorce process. Couples may begin to withdraw emotionally and physically from each other, leading to a breakdown in communication and a feeling of disconnection. This can be a precursor to the decision to divorce, but it is not immediate. Fantasies of living apart and a period of reconstruction may occur later in the process.

Question 15

Cox and Demmitt believe that the most appropriate term for describing American marriages is:

Accepted Answer

Cox and Demmitt describe American marriages as "serial marriages," indicating a pattern where individuals marry, divorce, and then remarry. This term reflects the observed trend of multiple sequential marriages over a person's lifetime.

Question 16

The median duration of marriage at the time of divorce in the United States is approximately:

Accepted Answer

According to the 2019 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, the median duration of marriage for divorces was 11 years.

Question 17

The rising divorce rates of the 1940s were caused by:

Accepted Answer

The rising divorce rates of the 1940s were largely caused by World War II, as soldiers were separated from their spouses for long periods of time, leading to extra-marital affairs and general strain on the marriage. This was exacerbated by the fact that many soldiers returned home with PTSD, making it difficult to readjust to civilian life and their relationships.

Question 18

Desertion is especially prevalent among:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that desertion (or marital abandonment) is more prevalent among individuals with lower income and education levels, which corresponds to the larger group of the poor.

Question 19

The crude divorce rate is the ratio of divorces to:

Accepted Answer

The crude divorce rate is calculated by taking the number of divorces in a given year and dividing it by the total population, then multiplying by 1,000 to get the rate per thousand persons.

Question 20

The crude divorce rate in 2009 was lower than in 1970. What accounts for this slight decline in divorce?

Accepted Answer

Increased levels of education and delaying marriage have been found to reduce the likelihood of divorce. By marrying later, individuals have more time to establish themselves financially and emotionally, and by pursuing higher education, they may have greater problem-solving skills and communication abilities in their relationships. Therefore, the slight decline in divorce can be attributed to more people pursuing higher education and delaying marriage.

Quiz 15: The Dissolution of Marriage