Final answer:
Research on the impact of divorce from an intersectional perspective reveals that the outcomes can vary based on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. For school-aged children, divorce can be the most challenging, while divorced women may face societal expectations and roles. Social conflict theories provide insights into understanding the impact of divorce on different family members.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of divorce can be examined from an intersectional perspective, which considers how various social identities intersect to shape individuals' experiences. Research has shown that divorce can have different social and interpersonal impacts depending on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.
For example, a study by Temke (2006) found that divorce may be most difficult for school-aged children, who are old enough to understand the separation but not the reasoning behind it. Older teenagers may recognize the conflict that led to the divorce but still experience negative emotions. Infants and preschool-age children may be heavily impacted by the loss of routine from the marriage.
Additionally, Etaugh and Bridges (2004) discuss the societal expectations and roles that can influence the experiences of divorced women. They highlight how social conflict theories of the family can help understand the impact of divorce on different family members.