Functionalism And Divorce Analysis

“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part”. These traditional wedding vows seem to have less and less of a meaning as time goes on and as divorce rates increase. “Slightly more than forty percent of contemporary first marriages are likely to end in divorce” (Wilcox). Divorce is a social problem that affects many and does not seem to be slowing down. Wilcox talks about how due to men and women 's faith in marriage being shaken because of the wave of divorces; marriage rates have fallen. “From 1960 to 2007, the percentage of American women who were married fell from sixty-six percent to fifty-one percent, and the percentage of men who were married fell from sixty-nine percent to fifty-five percent” (Wilcox). If the percentage of people who lose faith in the concept of marriage keeps increasing who knows if in one hundred years the concept of marriage will still even be relevant. Marriage can be defined as a permanent relationship that is recognized legally, institutionally, and socially. Divorce is a way to get out of …show more content…
The decline of divorce rates would be dysfunctional to society because divorce serves a purpose in our society. Functionalists believe interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability hold society together. This stability would be threatened with the dysfunction caused by fewer divorces. There are many occupations that rely on divorce. Some include marriage counselors, divorce lawyers, judges, and court officials. Divorce gives these people a purpose. Also most of the time the individuals who are getting the divorce are unhappy and get the divorce to improve their life. In other situations, marriages can be dysfunctional and toxic and a divorce is the best option. In both situations, both parties come out happier. Divorce serves its purpose to society by getting individuals in a better place in their