Divorce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Divorce - Essay Example This increasing rate of divorces can be blamed on an imbalance between understanding the other person and maintaining one’s own self-esteem at the same time. The inability of the couples to appreciate their partner and the values of marriage has led to the soaring statistics of divorces (Kramer). With the advent of the same-sex marriages and state laws permitting them, a difference can be seen in couple behaviors and relationship attitudes between the same-sex and heterosexual couples. A very intriguing concept put forward by Peter D. Kramer, analyses the values of autonomy and mutuality amongst the couples and the importance of their equivalent preservation. Autonomy is one of those values that is imprinted in the American psychology and even in marriages the couples are emphasizing on maintaining their self-beliefs and their true identity against whatever the circumstances. Carl Roger states that, â€Å"a successful marriage is one that increases the self-actualization of each member†. In olden times, only men were privileged with this right of self-governance, however 1970’s introduced this ideology to the women as well. It is important to note here, when both members of the couple assert their self-importance and individuality, it is a step forward towards progress and social evolvement. But the irony of this concept is that it leads to a greater number of divorces. Therefore it is of most importance that this ideology should be in a state of equ ilibrium with mutuality and acceptance of the other person. Mutuality is a virtue that is not commonly practiced in our society and the attention of an individual is mainly directed towards self-enhancement, self-help and self-esteem. It is not something that can be taught or practiced spontaneously; rather it needs to be incorporated in our society just like the concept of autonomy is. Marriages will not be able to thrive in a healthy manner until and unless