Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: The Divorce Hotel

It is estimated that over 40% of all marriages in England and Wales will end in divorce. This figure has risen with various legal changes in the UK over the course of the 20^th century that have led to what some believe has made obtaining a divorce both easier and cheaper.

The New Right would argue that an increase in divorce rates illustrates the breakdown of traditional family relationships and roles. For feminists however, the increase is further evidence of women having a greater stake in society and perhaps choosing to leave an unhappy marriage.

Another recent twist to how a couple can obtain a divorce is to spend the weekend at the ‘The Divorce Hotel!’

Couples can enter the hotel married and leave…well, a divorcee!

How could this be used in a lesson?

The Divorce Hotel could create some fantastic debate in classes studying Families and Households (Family Structures).

• Does this concept make divorce too easy?
• Why might couples prefer to obtain a divorce in a hotel rather than going to court?
• What might the different sociological perspectives think of this concept?

Other References:

• BBC Five Live In Short: Would You Stay in a Divorce Hotel?
• Office of National Statistics: Divorces in England and Wales, 2013