BLACK-MEN MAKE SENSE OF MARITAL DISTRESS AND DIVORCE - AN EXPLORATORY-STUDY

This study explores the causes of divorce using in-depth interviews wi th working/middle class Black men. The findings suggest that the cause s of marital distress and subsequent divorce are associated with activ e problem-solving efforts Black men use to cope with social and econom ic marginality. Ironically, the men's coping strategies often had nega tive repercussions for marital stability. The respondents perceived th e following causes of marital distress and subsequent divorce: (a) The striving for economic stability to cushion the effects of periodic un employment, (b) differences in attitudes and behaviors in spending pra ctices, (c) conflicting behavioral patterns used to cope with social a lienation, (d) failure to negotiate conflict in the context of economi c disenfranchisement, and (e) differences in religious practices.