Question 1: Discuss why divorce rates among Muslim couples in Brunei seem to be increasing over the years. Based on the module and your own opinions, suggest ways in which this problem could be addressed.
Increase of the divorce rate in Brunei Darussalam
Reasons on the increase in the divorce rate in Brunei Darussalam (especially among Muslim couples) are due to spiritual, family problems, environment (surrounding) factors and economic troubles.
Despite various initiatives by the relevant authorities to curb the problems such as by providing pre-marriage courses, counseling services etc, however it is still ineffective due to ignorance and mindset of certain couples. They enrolled to the course is merely for the sake to fulfill the requirement of marriages. Influences from the family and surrounding are to be considered prominent factors affecting in increase of the divorce rate. Other factor affecting family relationship is miscommunication which tends to cause misunderstanding. In Brunei context, misunderstanding may caused by the low level of knowledge on knowing their partners for example they getting married because of wanted to have “pleasure” of having free sex. When they are found “accidentally pregnant” and end-up with marriages. Sometimes parents dislike their in-law and vice-versa which resulted in their relationship.
Suggestion to address the problems (increase in number of divorce rate in Brunei Darussalam
• Parents play their roles to equip their children with religious education.
• To reduce the loan burden. Loan system imposed by the monetary institutions which is very rigid. Revised policy on financial scheme should be carried out.
• To avoid conflict, the family institution must play a vital role and the couple should be given the family life education to young couples. Parenting skills with the aim to give education to the couples on their role and responsibilities towards their families and their kids should be given.
• To review the pre-marriage courses / programmes this includes aspects on psychology, sociology, economic and health.
• To further enhance education on family values in school curriculum
Tutor's comment: excellent
Increase of the divorce rate in Brunei Darussalam
Reasons on the increase in the divorce rate in Brunei Darussalam (especially among Muslim couples) are due to spiritual, family problems, environment (surrounding) factors and economic troubles.
Despite various initiatives by the relevant authorities to curb the problems such as by providing pre-marriage courses, counseling services etc, however it is still ineffective due to ignorance and mindset of certain couples. They enrolled to the course is merely for the sake to fulfill the requirement of marriages. Influences from the family and surrounding are to be considered prominent factors affecting in increase of the divorce rate. Other factor affecting family relationship is miscommunication which tends to cause misunderstanding. In Brunei context, misunderstanding may caused by the low level of knowledge on knowing their partners for example they getting married because of wanted to have “pleasure” of having free sex. When they are found “accidentally pregnant” and end-up with marriages. Sometimes parents dislike their in-law and vice-versa which resulted in their relationship.
Suggestion to address the problems (increase in number of divorce rate in Brunei Darussalam
• Parents play their roles to equip their children with religious education.
• To reduce the loan burden. Loan system imposed by the monetary institutions which is very rigid. Revised policy on financial scheme should be carried out.
• To avoid conflict, the family institution must play a vital role and the couple should be given the family life education to young couples. Parenting skills with the aim to give education to the couples on their role and responsibilities towards their families and their kids should be given.
• To review the pre-marriage courses / programmes this includes aspects on psychology, sociology, economic and health.
• To further enhance education on family values in school curriculum
Tutor's comment: excellent
