Divorce and Separation: Sociological Perspectives and Implications

Wednesday, 9 July 2025: 15:00-16:45
Location: ASJE013 (Annex of the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences)
RC06 Family Research (host committee)

Language: English

The conference session "Divorce and Separation: Sociological Perspectives and Implications" delves into the sociological dimensions of partnership and family dissolution. It seeks to understand the complex interplay between social structures, cultural norms, and individual experiences in the context of divorce and separation. Family sociologists from different countries will present their results using qualitative or quantitative methods, providing a comprehensive analysis of how divorce and separation are shaped by and shape society.

Key topics will include the changing trends in divorce and separation rates across different societies, the role of socioeconomic factors in union stability, and the impact of divorce and separation on social stratification. The session will explore how cultural attitudes toward union dissolution influence individuals' decisions and experiences. Special focus will be given to the differential impact of divorce and separation on various demographic groups along the lines of gender, age, ethnicity, and class.

Based on empirical research and theoretical frameworks, presenters will discuss the long-term social consequences of union dissolution, such as changes in family structures, shifts in social networks, and implications for children's well-being. The session will also examine policy responses to divorce and how legal and social services can better support families in transition. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the sociological aspects of divorce and separation, equipping them with new ideas and agendas that help them contribute to research, policy-making, and support services. The session will inform attendees about family well-being and chart how these changes transform families and family life.

Session Organizers:
Anja STEINBACH, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany and Sven. A. BROCKER, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
Oral Presentations
A Cross-Cohort and Cross-Country Exploration of Relationship Dissolution across the Life Course
Elke CLAESSENS, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Dimitri MORTELMANS, University of Antwerp, Belgium
How Does Parental Separation Erode the Family Networks of Young Adults?
Kateryna SYTKINA, Germany; Thomas LEOPOLD, University of Cologne, Germany
Distributed Papers
From Suppression to Autonomy: Evolving Family Roles of Refugee Mothers Post-Displacement
Shaden SABOUNI, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Single Parenting in Kazakhstan
Aizhan SHABDENOVA, Center for study of public opinion, Kazakhstan; Gulzhan ALIMBEKOVA, Public Opinion Research Center "CIOM", Kazakhstan
The Ripple Effect of Separation: How Parental and Adult Child Relationships Influence Relationship Stability
Zafer BÜYÜKKEÇECI, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Germany; Federica QUERIN, United States
Experiences of Divorce and Separation in Times of Crisis: Social and Gender Inequalities in Family Courts during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Gaëlle AEBY, School of Social Work, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Switzerland; Sabrina RODUIT, France; Cécile CREVOISIER, School of Social Work, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Switzerland; Michelle COTTIER, Centre for Legislative and Evaluation Studies, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Marina SUCARI, Centre for Legislative and Evaluation Studies, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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