Beck-Gernstein (1995) identifies rising divorce rates as due to what?

Beck-Gernstein (1995) identifies rising divorce rates as due to what?

• A. More traditional family structure
• B. Growing individualisation and uncertainty
• C. Decreased choice
• D. Stronger gender norms

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is the link between rising divorce rates and increasing individualisation in late modern society. Beck and Beck-Gernsheim argue that as life becomes more focused on personal fulfilment and autonomy, people see themselves as responsible for their own happiness. This brings more uncertainty into long-term commitments, because relationships are chosen for personal satisfaction rather than social duty or economic necessity, and individuals feel freer to leave if they’re not fulfilled. As a result, marriages become more fragile and divorce becomes a more acceptable, even expected, option when expectations aren’t met. So the best answer points to growing individualisation and uncertainty as the explanation. It isn’t about returning to traditional family structures, about decreased choice, or about stronger gender norms—those would imply different effects on divorce rates.

The main idea being tested is the link between rising divorce rates and increasing individualisation in late modern society. Beck and Beck-Gernsheim argue that as life becomes more focused on personal fulfilment and autonomy, people see themselves as responsible for their own happiness. This brings more uncertainty into long-term commitments, because relationships are chosen for personal satisfaction rather than social duty or economic necessity, and individuals feel freer to leave if they’re not fulfilled. As a result, marriages become more fragile and divorce becomes a more acceptable, even expected, option when expectations aren’t met.

So the best answer points to growing individualisation and uncertainty as the explanation. It isn’t about returning to traditional family structures, about decreased choice, or about stronger gender norms—those would imply different effects on divorce rates.