MARRIAGE ROLE EXPECTATIONS OF DIVORCED MEN AND WOMEN

Marriage role expectations of divorced men and women were compared to those of married men and women. Six dimensions of expectations were examined along the continuum of traditionalism versus equalitarianism in sex roles: (I) authority patterns. (2) household tasks, (3) childcare, (4) personal characteristics, (5) social participation, and (6) finances and employment. The data suggest that women, more than men, view marriage role responsibilities as evenly applying to both sexes. Divorce appears to have a liberalizing effect on men's perceptions of marriage roles, but divorced women express a significantly higher level of equalitarianism in their marriage role perceptions than any other comparison group. Differences in expectations regarding authority, finances, and employment appear to be broadened between men and women as a result of divorce.