Divorce

Divorce represents the official end or dissolution of a legally recognized marriage. It is widely cited that 50 percent of present marriages will eventually end in divorce and that the chances of a second marriage ending in divorce are even more likely. During World War II, divorce rates were elevated, but stabilized during the 1950s and early 1960s. Divorce rates increased through the late 1960s and 1970s in the United States and cross-culturally. In the United States, divorce reached its all-time high in 1980. The rate has leveled off since that time but remains high compared with the 1950s. The divorce rate in the United States is high in [Page 208]historical terms and is significantly higher than in other industrialized countries such as Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Although the divorce rate is high for married couples, the rate at which other romantic relationships dissolve, such as those who cohabitate, is even greater. This is likely the result of the less committed nature of cohabitation. This entry describes predictors, research on outcomes, and the influence on children of divorce.

Several social factors within the United States account for the high divorce rate. One of the primary changes has been in the economics of marriage. Traditional households in the 1950s used a division of labor such that the husband was the primary breadwinner, while the wife stayed at home to manage the house and children. During the past several decades, women have increasingly pursued careers of their own, and as a result, many households now rely on salaries from both partners. This shift has influenced divorce rates, especially from the perspective of women. In the past, traditional division of labor forced women to be financially dependent on their husbands, resulting in a barrier to divorce. Stacy Rogers examined the impact of wives' financial contributions on divorce in a 2004 study that used data from a 17-year longitudinal study. Wives' financial contributions were measured by dollars contributed, as well as by percentage of family income. Results indicated a positive correlation between wives' dollars earned and divorce such that as income increased, likelihood of divorce increased. However, when percentage of the wife's contribution was examined, an inverted U pattern emerged such that divorce was most likely when the husband and wife each contributed approximately 50 percent of the family income. According to Rogers, this situation represents equal economic dependence in which neither partner depends on the marriage for financial stability. Rogers also reports that women, and to a lesser extent men, are more likely to initiate divorce under these circumstances.

Perhaps as a result of less financial dependence, expectations have increased concerning the qualities a good marriage and good marriage partner should provide. Some of the increased expectations are the result of a more transient lifestyle. That is, people move more frequently and are less likely to become engaged in their community. As a result, social support structures are not as strong and lead people to rely more on their marriage for support. Marriage is also viewed as more of a choice than a requirement. For this reason, people expect more than minimal effort from their partners. Whereas in the past it may have been sufficient for the husband to provide financial security, expectations now include emotional support and an equal sharing of household responsibilities. According to a 2003 study based on national survey data from Paul Amato and colleagues, wives' increasing job demands and hours of work were associated with decreased marital quality, whereas nontraditional gender attitudes and increased economic resources increased marital quality. Further, sharing in household tasks increased wives' marital quality, but decreased husbands' marital quality. As partners' expectations in these areas increase, marital quality is ultimately affected. These shifts in marital quality inevitably influence the likelihood of divorce. As a result of these factors, the range of possible reasons for divorce has been greatly expanded. Thus, the stigma that had been formerly attached to divorce and divorcees has faded substantially. The decrease in negative attitudes toward divorce, paired with streamlined legal procedures, has made divorce an easier remedy to an undesirable marriage.

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