Final answer:
A no-fault divorce law allows couples to divorce without placing blame on either partner, which was part of the liberalization of divorce laws that occurred during the late 20th century. This type of divorce has contributed to changing divorce rates over the years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of divorce law that allows for the dissolution of marriage without assigning blame to either party is known as no-fault divorce. This kind of legislation offers a way for couples to end their marriage based on irreconcilable differences, removing the necessity of one partner to accuse the other of wrongdoing as a pre-requisite for the divorce. No-fault divorce laws were a significant change from traditional divorce proceedings, where one had to prove fault such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment.
Historical context reveals that divorce was not always as accessible as it is today. Early feminist campaigns led to the possibility of divorce in some countries, but it was often a complex and costly process. The liberalization of divorce laws occurred over time and is partly attributed to changing societal roles and expectations, particularly as women became a larger part of the workforce.
Divorce rates have fluctuated over the years, with an increase during the late 20th century, attributed to the liberalization of divorce laws, and a recent decrease due to factors such as marrying at an older age and higher levels of education, which tend to promote marital stability.