Cultural Sociology of Divorce

This sociological examination of divorce moves beyond legal definitions to explore the profound cultural and personal consequences of marital dissolution, particularly when children are involved. Drawing on international data and trends, the book reveals how divorce rates have surged across developed nations, with current projections suggesting nearly half of American marriages may end this way. The work tackles the complex reality that while ending a marriage might be administratively simple, its ripple effects are anything but, creating lasting shifts in family structures and societal norms.

Emery’s analysis stands out by framing divorce not as a single event but as a transformative process that reshapes identities, economics, and intergenerational relationships. Readers seeking to understand the broader social forces behind these statistics, or those navigating their own family transitions, will find a nuanced perspective that challenges simplistic narratives. This book ultimately provides a crucial framework for comprehending one of the most significant, yet deeply personal, phenomena shaping modern culture.