Divorce is the formal separation between the husband and the wife, releasing them from the responsibility of marriage. The most common causes of divorce are infidelity, financial constraints, incompatibility, and communication breakdown within the marriage. With divorce cases on the rise (Singapore: 2313 in 1983 to 7561 in 2018), it seems that divorce has become a social norm and society is more accepting towards such alternative family arrangements (53% of Singaporeans under the age of 30 find divorce acceptable). However, it does not necessarily posit that divorce is morally acceptable and good. Broken families are a host of many social problems such as juvenile delinquency, depression etc. [Avoid using etc. Give the full example] Divorce diminishes the value of marriage and its sacredness. Indeed, divorce is a social evil and a nemesis to society.
Studies have shown that divorce occurs most likely after 7 years of marriage, often known as the seven-year itch and within the first 10 years of marriage. If there are children in the family, they are most likely below the age of 10 and divorce is a cruel process for any child to experience, especially at such a young age. The disillusionment of once a loving, happy family is now on the brink of destruction inflicts great emotional distress beyond what they can handle. The loss of one parent can be a memory-haunting experience of which leaving the child to be constantly living in fear and insecurity that the parent in custody may leave them as well. All of these accumulated negative psychological and mental effects can birth forth manifold social problems. A recent U.S. study has shown that children of divorced parents are significantly more likely to be delinquent by the age of 15, than children whose own parents are married. In addition, the ill effects of a divorce may manifest on to the next generation. For instance, college students from divorced families use violence more frequently to resolve conflict. In their own marriages, children of divorced parents have a greater tendency to be unhappy and escalate in to conflicts.
Although divorce gives rise to a host of the social problem of its own, a modicum of truth is that there are circumstances where divorce would provide a better solution. If staying in the marriage breeds greater conflict and disharmony within the family, it would be better off for the parents to go in their separate ways and provide a more conducive environment (one that is of less violence) for the welfare of the child. In the event that the children are subjected to child abuse from an abusive parent, it would be an appreciable menace to initiate divorce for the good and safety of the child.
Divorce provides an escape clause for an irresponsible and uncommitted partner to shriek away from their roles and responsibilities. As such, it diminishes the value and importance of marriage. Marriage is both a union based on love and a practical partnership. Divorce perpetuates the erroneous mindset that it is the solution to a rocky marriage. Married couples fail to take the effort and time or have not done enough to salvage the marriage since divorce would be an easy way out them. Back in a time where divorce is taboo, there are no other alternatives but to stay in a marriage. Hence, marriage is seen sacred and utmost importance as it is likened to a life sentence
Ultimately, divorce is undesirable in the society as its impacts are manifold the negative consequences it brews pass on from one generation to the other. To ensure that the right to divorce is not abused, it will entail nothing less than a change in our mindset towards the idea of marriage and divorce. The government can play a part by providing marriage counselling for the married-to-be and strengthen current marriage support networks and organization so that in times of trouble, the society can be pillar support for them.