1. China's divorce rate has steadily increased since the economic reform in 1978.
2. The number of divorces per 1,000 population increased from 0.327 in 1979 to 0.954 in 1998.
3. The rate of increase will be determined by many factors, including the forthcoming Marriage and Family Law.
The article titled "China's Divorce Trends in the Transition Toward a Market Economy" provides an overview of the changes in China's divorce patterns since 1950 and identifies major factors responsible for the upsurge of divorces since the 1978 economic reform. The study suggests that China's divorce rate is likely to increase under the economic transition, but the rate of increase will be determined by many factors, including the forthcoming Marriage and Family Law.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of China's divorce trends and their potential implications. However, there are some potential biases and missing points of consideration that need to be addressed.
One potential bias is that the article focuses primarily on economic factors as drivers of divorce rates in China. While it is true that economic reforms have had a significant impact on Chinese society, other social and cultural factors may also play a role in shaping divorce trends. For example, changing attitudes toward marriage and family values may contribute to rising divorce rates.
Another potential bias is that the article does not explore counterarguments or alternative explanations for rising divorce rates in China. For instance, some scholars argue that government policies such as the one-child policy have contributed to increased marital stress and conflict, which may lead to higher divorce rates.
Additionally, while the article notes that China's forthcoming Marriage and Family Law may impact future divorce rates, it does not provide any evidence or analysis to support this claim. It would be helpful to explore how specific provisions of this law might affect divorce rates in different regions or demographic groups.
Finally, while the article acknowledges some potential risks associated with rising divorce rates (such as negative impacts on children), it does not provide a balanced assessment of both positive and negative outcomes. For example, some research suggests that divorced women in China experience greater economic independence and social mobility than their married counterparts.
In conclusion, while "China's Divorce Trends in the Transition Toward a Market Economy" provides a useful overview of divorce patterns in China, it is important to consider potential biases and missing points of consideration when interpreting its findings. Future research should explore a broader range of factors that may contribute to rising divorce rates in China and provide a more balanced assessment of the potential outcomes.