The adult children of divorce

Abstract

Giddens and Beck-Gernsheim argue that there has been a shift from stable family formations to relationships that are inherently fragile and temporary. Both propose that intimate relationships in late modernity have been marked by reflexivity and contingency. Although these are not new propositions, little empirical work has been done on the contours of such relationships and the meanings that they have for individuals. This article explores Giddens’ and Beck-Gernsheim’s contentions through looking at the perceptions of relationships, and the family values, of members of Generation X whose parents divorced and who subsequently grew up in a single-parent, step-, or blended family. In particular it discusses the suggestion that we are moving into an era in which ‘the normalisation of fragility’ will become central to people’s intimate relationships.

Compatibility before Commitment: Do Couples Consider Compatibility before Marriage?

“…The fact that maintaining individuality was consistently listed as a compatibility trait supports Hughes (2005) finding on the importance of individuality for 'Generation X'.…”

“…A 2004 study revealed approximately 30% of participants felt they were very selective when it came to choosing a partner, desiring a highly compatible partner, rather than committing to a relationship for the sake of it (Qu, & Soriano, 2004). Furthermore, Hughes (2005) has proposed the way in which individuals wish to be compatible with another may be influenced by the changing dynamics of modern relationships. Hughes noted within 'Generation X', those born between 1965-1979, the ideas of gender roles, obligation and duty have been replaced with ideas of self-actualisation, of individuals as self aware autonomous beings, of contingency, and individualism.…”

Prof. Vladas Gronskas International Scientific Conference

“…The members of this generation are considered to be exceptionally autonomous and independent due to the fact that a lot of children grew up in a home where both parents worked long hours, and they had to be self-reliant as they stayed at home alone (Bejtkovy, 2016) or with even younger siblings that they had to take care of. Also, quite often they grew up in a single-parent home (Elkins, McRitchie, & Scoones, 2007) as the divorce rate was quite high at the time, and "they were the first generation to witness significant numbers of divorces (Hughes, 2005)." Millennials (a.k.a.…”

Intergenerational Divide: Can One Motivational Approach Drive Them All?

“…The members of this generation are considered to be exceptionally autonomous and independent due to the fact that a lot of children grew up in a home where both parents worked long hours, and they had to be self-reliant as they stayed at home alone (Bejtkovy, 2016) or with even younger siblings that they had to take care of. Also, quite often they grew up in a single-parent home (Elkins, McRitchie, & Scoones, 2007) as the divorce rate was quite high at the time, and "they were the first generation to witness significant numbers of divorces (Hughes, 2005)." Millennials (a.k.a.…”