Divorce as a Liberating Rite of Passage: Embracing Legal Dissolution

Abstract

Divorce as a Rite of Passage In its simplest definition, a Rite of Passage is a ceremonial event that marks a defined passage from one religious or social status to another. Through such a definition, it is clear that divorce though not officially recognized as a Rite of Passage, is a great passage that defines a new phase of social status in life for the separated persons. It is imperative to note that though the society may not have a ceremonial event that defines the happiness associated with this Rite of Passage, the divorcee may throw themselves a party having accomplished a divorce which proves a challenging mission in life. For this reason, society should reconsider divorce as any other rite of Passage since it defines a new phase of life for the separated couples and children, which could be a great relief for such families. Society must embrace divorce as a legal dissolution of marriage supported by laws of states (Chapter 10) According to Chapter 10 (Divorce, Remarriage and Blended Families), divorce has become prominent in most relationships “1 divorce for every 2.1 marriages”, as most marriage relationships are not based on mutual happiness leading to the dissatisfaction of one party. Unfortunately, society views marriages, especially those officiated at church, as a permanent covenant that should remain unbroken regardless of the challenges the parties might face. In such a case, even when marriages become unstable, the society, the family and the church expect the married partners to persevere and understand each other for the sake of their reputations. However, it is imperative for a change in such perceptions as too much exposure in abusive marriages may adversely affect the partners leading to risks of suicide, among others, thus the need for society to initiate divorce rituals to help people...