In many homes, divorce is caused by the “battle between the sexes.” To understand the problem, one must remember that the modern American woman is freed. During childhood and adolescence(青少年期), the American girl is given freedom and education which is equal to a boy's. After completing school, she is able to get a job and support herself. She doesn't have to marry for financial security. She considers herself an independent, self-sufficient person. She wants a husband whom she can respect, but she doesn't want to be dominated(控制) by him. She wants a democratic household in which she has a voice in making decisions. When a husband and wife are able to share decisionmaking, their marriage is probably closer, stronger, and more satisfying. Otherwise, the couple is likely to wind up in the divorce court.
When a couple gets divorced, the court usually requires the man to pay his former wife a monthly sum of money. If the couple has children, they usually remain with the mother, and the father is expected to pay for their support.
Although divorce is quite common in the United States, 80 percent of those who get divorced remarry. The remarriages allow thousands of people, especially children, to enjoy family life again, but at the same time many troubles have arisen. A well-known American joke tells of a wife calling to her second husband, “Quick, John! Come here and help me! Your children are beating up our chidlren!”
小题1:What causes most of the divorce cases in the U.S.A.?
A.Financial trouble in the family.
B.Women's liberation movement.
C.Different attitudes towards children's education.
D.Lack of democratic atmosphere in the household.
小题2:What do you know of modern American women, according to the passage?
A．They are overbearing and hardworking.
B．They are more independent than ever.
C．They do not have much say in the household.
D．They respect their husbands, but do not rely on them.小题3:What kind of marriage can be successful?
A．Both the man and woman are financially secure.
B．Husband and wife share housework.
C．Both the man and woman are well-educated.
D．Decisions are made by the man and woman together.小题4:What happens when a couple is divorced, according to the passage?
A．The children become homeless.
B．The man is still responsible for the welfare of his children.
C．Life becomes difficult for the woman and her children.
D．The man, rather than the woman, remarries soon.
