Should it be harder to get a divorce

Assignment 4

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Chapter 12

Question 1: Should it be harder to get a divorce?

Many people would agree that the number of divorces has risen notably in the past few years. However, the argument remains whether the number is higher or the methods of reporting have changed. Couples choose to divorce when they find that they cannot amicably resolve many conflicts within their marriage. Interestingly, a majority of couples who decided to stay married were found to be happier than before when researchers checked on them after five years. For this reason, it appears that the choice to stay married and avoid divorce would be a good one. However, many married people face serious challenges, and sometimes, these challenges cannot be resolved, especially when one or both partners are unwilling or unable to work towards this. The process of getting a divorce should not be made harder for several reasons. Couples who have filed for divorce in most cases have explored other options such as counseling and temporary separation; thus, divorce often comes as a last resort. For this reason, couples should be allowed to get a divorce as quickly as possible and iron out their new arrangement to avoid the painful process of getting a divorce that may drag on for years.

Question 2: Why is it that most couples do not have a good divorce?

Divorce means breaking up a family, and the process is rarely easy. There are several reasons why many couples do not have an amicable and friendly split, referred to as a good divorce. First, money matters are often the thorniest and couples fight over who should take what, with each wanting to take the most. The second reason as to why divorce is so difficult is when children are involved, and parents have to fight over custody, child support, and alimony payments. From the book and in real life situations, custody and child support are usually stipulated at the time of divorce. However, the noncustodial parent fails to pay mainly to cause difficulties for the parent with custody. Another common argument during divorce is who should pay spousal support, and each party fights to be paid. At the end of the divorce proceedings, one party feels wounded and walks away with bitter feelings; thus, it is very difficult to have a good divorce.

Chapter 13

Question 2: Why is divorce such an emotional process for people? Why does it often generate so much anger and rage?

Divorce is an emotional process because it entails beginning a new life apart from the old one which the family members were so used to. One of the significant causes of anger and rage is the reason for the divorce. For example, if divorce is due to neglect, infidelity or such factors blamed on one partner, then the other party is sure to be very angry. The divorce becomes a way to get back at their partner, and they end up demanding custody and more money if they feel this will cause the offender distress. Financial issues are also a major cause of negative emotions during a divorce when one of the partners stands to suffer significant losses as a result of the divorce. Other causes of anger and rage are the disappointment that comes with the divorce, especially if the couple had hoped to be together forever but finds that one of them has had a change of heart.

Question 6: Why does the “evil stepmother” stereotype persist?

The stereotype of the evil stepmother dates back hundreds of years, with many people having learned of it from fairy tales such as Cinderella. Stepfamilies are still associated with a lot of negativity, especially stepmothers. Many people think that stepmothers are likely to favor their biological children over their adopted ones, and can even act cruelly by denying them fundamental rights. The reason why this stereotype against stepmothers exists to this day is connected with the negative view of stepfamilies in general. Most people find it hard to believe that a stepparent can treat their adopted children with the same love and care that their biological parents would. Such negative expectations lead to the smallest acts of discipline or reproach by a step parent being viewed as acts of cruelty.

Chapter 14

Question 1: Given the large number of people over the age of 65 in our society, why does ageism persist?

The main reason why ageism is rampant in our society is that people prize youth more than anything. Young people have more vitality, energy, and many years to do many things that they like. Older people are assumed to be old and frail, and people mock old age as something negative and that no one should look forward to. Old age is viewed as a dreaded time, and people take many steps to avoid looking old such as getting plastic surgery. Another reason as to why ageism persists is that very few people know any old people outside their grandparents. Statistics show that the number of old people is growing and projected to grow even more in the future. Many assume that old age is associated with poverty, suffering, and illness such as arthritis, dementia, and constipation, among many others. However, statistics dispel these stereotypes and show that old people can be quite healthy and fit depending on their lifestyles, especially when they are younger.

Question 5: Should families be expected to care for elderly family members? If so, why? If not, why not?

As people grow older, they need more care. The level of care depends on age, physical, and mental state. For example, an older adult with arthritis is unable to move much, and hence, they will need a helper to help them around the house with most of the chores. Old people also need extra medical care, especially if they have chronic medical conditions. The primary responsibility to care for the elderly falls on family members, and this often presents high financial and emotional costs. It comes as a significant advantage when the elderly person has some income or property, which can cover the financial costs associated with their care. However, when they have to rely on their children, the situation is more complicated. Most people caring for the elderly are their grown children, and these children often have kids of their own too; hence, they are referred to as the sandwich generation. Caring for elderly parents and relatives can bring a financial and emotional strain on a family, especially where there are young children. Most families prefer to put the elderly in care homes where they have caregivers around the clock. While this comes at a cost, it presents less train as the younger adults have more time to work while at the same time ensuring that the old people have constant care which may not be available at home due to work and other family constraints.