When looking at the high divorce rates in America, it is clear that various structural factors are affecting the relationships of many American families. In most families' situations, there is not just one clear-cut reason that leads to divorce. Rather, divorce is a gradual process that ultimately results in families breaking apart. Some of the structural factors that affect divorce include; societal factors, demographic factors, and legal factors.
Although the process of divorce is extremely personal, when looking at divorce rates, one should be aware of societies' role in an American divorce. For instance, the degree an individual interacts with others within a community is known to be correlated with the rate of divorce. This process is called social integration. In this case, the less likely an individual is socially accepted and/or apart of a larger community, the more likely the incidence of divorce occurs. However, if an individual feels that they have been accepted and integrated within in larger community (possibly due to the sharing of cultural norms and values) the less likely the incidence of divorce occurs. Another societal affecting the divorce rate in America is the change in the traditional nature of the family. Compared to our parents, we are a generation that has been raised by various non-traditional methods. Instead of the traditional father and mother raising a child together working in an egalitarian manner, our generation is seeing more single mothers and fathers attempting to raise their children by themselves. This task of child rearing is extremely strenuous and time-consuming for single parents who work day-in and day-out to survive. Unfortunately, the children suffer the greatest loss and turn to other means for emotional support. Children today are becoming more influenced by outside social peers and groups such as friends at school or the television at home.
