A wide range of data and developments are cited to demonstrate that the family is under stress and is even in danger of breaking up. However, it is important to note that many sociologists wholly or largely reject this thesis that the family is breaking up, and favor instead a different model of analysis and interpretation. The crux of the debate is, is the family disappearing as a social institution or is it merely transforming into a social institution, which is characterized by diversity and choice. That is, is the family dying or is it responding to the changing circumstances of what may be termed postmodern society. Postmodernism is a condition in which society is composed of many heterogeneous ideas, values and practices that coexist within a general framework. It is possible to view the recent developments in family life as part of this general trend. There are many factors to be considered when we look at the 'changing family¡; one of the key issues related to family change and adaptation is divorce.
             The number of divorces granted in Britain has jumped from 27,000 in 1961 to 191, in 1985; this should be compared with 3000 in 1921 and only 700 in 1911. However this information could be misleading on it¡s own, factors such as the increasing population and popularity of marriage need to be considered. With the population increasing more people will be getting married, so therefore there will be more divorce these statistics do not give an accurate account in the divorce rate. To find an accurate rate of divorce we need to find out how many divorces there are per thousand marriages. In 1961 just over 2 persons divorced per thousand, in 1987 this figure rose to almost 12 per thousand.
             When we look at divorce rates in these statistics we still see an increased rate in divorce. Recent studies show that one third of all marriages are likely to end in divorce.
             As well as divorce, marital breakdown can also be 'separation¡, whi...