Divorce Studies in America and Japan

This paper aims to suggest 'Good Divorce' comparing divorce studies in America with divorce studies in Japan.  The divorce rate in the United States has continued rising after the World War II, and one of two sets came to be divorced among the couples who married.   At the same time, as remarriages has also increased, 'step family' is not rare in America.  A new sociological concept, 'binuclear family' adovocated in "The Good Divorce (1994)" by Constance Ahrons has become generalized.  On the other hand, the divorce rate in Japan has continued rising as well as the United States and has almost caught up with it.

In this paper, we will introduce divorce studies and works developed in America since 1980s and in Japan since 1990s.  First, we will discuss the history of divorce studies in America and Japan.  'Nuclear family' advocated by Talcott Parsons is certainly universal, but not absolute at all.  Second, introducing the discussions in "The Good Divorce" and "We're Still Family" by Constance Ahrons, we will describe divorces in America. On behalf of 'nuclear family', it is found how the concept called 'binuclear family' became to come up. Third, introducing Atsuko Okano's various discussions on divorces, we will describe divorces in Japan.  About divorce circumstances of America and Japan, some common points and differences will become clear.  Finally, through both divorce studies, we will suggest what should be done to be 'good divorce'.  'Good divorce' means to "keep your family together when your marriage comes apart."  We will also introduce International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) for collaborative practice, including Collaborative law and interdisciplinary Collaborative Divorce.