WOMEN AND MARRIAGE: THE HOUSING CONSEQUENCES OF OPTING OUT

Abstract

This thesis reviews the housing-related implications of separation and divorce for women. It arges that the housing circumstances must be placed within a broader perspective of the social and economic consequences and ideological environment surrounding divorce. In the same way, operation of the housing system must be placed within a wider context, particularly in relation to the degree of change in its operational environment within the last 20 years. The thesis finds that the circumstances surrounding leaving a marriage are personally traumatic, and lead to a period of economic, housing and personal crisis. Over time, although the tendency is for establishment of re-equlibrium, considerable disadvantages prevail for women. The quickest method of establishing re-equilibrium for women is to repartner.