Author Description

The meanings of marriage and divorce have shifted significantly in the past few decades, particularly in economies in Asia where rapid economic growth has transformed the social fabric. This book arises from possibly the most comprehensive study of divorce done in Singapore. The study highlights the root causes of divorce, and focuses on the impact of changing ideologies on marital stability. Themes that surfaced in the appreciation of why some marriages fail include women's changing expectations and their roles in the family, courtship expectations and the role of romantic love, parenthood demands and work stressors. The discussions are drawn from data collected from a large-scale representative survey of a study group comprising disolved marriages as well as a control group of intact marriages. Scholars investigating marriage and family in Asia will find the rich data content useful. The sociological insight makes the book a relevant read for all interested in family dynamics.