Divorce is a relatively new social situation. Traditionally, divorce was considered a social taboo, and if someone desired a divorce they had to prove to the court that the marriage contained either physical or emotional abuse, adultery, or abandonment (Furstenberg and Cherlin 97). In the 1960's public opinion began to favor more relaxed divorce laws (American style 2), and in 1969 California became the first state to pass a no-fault divorce law. (Furstenberg and Cherlin 98). Between 1960 and 1980 the divorce rate grew almost 250 percent (Galston). I feel this may have been caused by a combination of the lenient divorce laws, more women being able to support themsel

The negative monetary effects are the greatest during the first year after divorce, but for many women it can take years to recover. Although in most cases the custodial parent receives child support, the amount paid is much less than the costs that it takes to raise a child (Wallerstein et al.163). For kids of divorce, adapting to a life of low income has a great impact on their lives. In most cases the parent is busy trying to make ends meet by taking on more hours, holding a second job, or attending night school. Thus, the parent becomes less available to the child physically and emotionally because the parent is away from the home most of the day. When the parent is home, he/she has little time and energy left to give the adequate attention to the child. For the child, less income also means a loss in the opportunity to participate in activities like lessons, sports, summer camps, movies, and other special interests (Wallerstein et al.164).

So, are children better off in a single-parent home, or in stepfamilies? According to the "Child Health Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey," the problems of children in stepfamilies, and children from single-parent homes were not much different. However, neither were doing as good as the children living on a home with both biological parents (Furstenberg and Cherlin 89).

There are a few reasons why this trend is growing. First, men are no longer content with just being an occasional visitor in their children's lives. Fathers want, and should have, a more primary role in raising their kids. Second, the number of mothers who have to work full time is growing. In other cases it has become a fair ruling for a judge to make in a custody battle between two perfectly competent parents.

The functioning of a stepfamily has a lot to do with the relationships within this complex situation; stepparent relationships can be complicated. Quite often stepparents and stepchildren become a type of "in-laws", brought together only by the circumstance of marriage. Unlike blood relatives, stepfamilies experience less of the loving rewards that usually accompany being a part of a family and view their relationships as more problematic (Furstenburg and Cherlin 82-3).

Zinner, Roz. "Joint Physical Custody: Smart Solution or Big Problem?". Divorce Helpline. 12 Dec. 2000. .

Galston, William A. "Divorce American Style". The Public Interest no124. 12-26. Wilson Select Plus. 29 Nov. 2000.

As the children grow, or if they were already an adolescent at the time, the divorce can impact numerous areas in their individual life attitudes. Divorce can affect children's attitudes on pre-marital sex, cohabitation, marriage and divorce (Axinn and Thorton).

"Growth of Shared Parenting". 11 Dec. 2000. .

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