The frequency of divorce

Divorce rates have markedly increased in many countries since World War II and in some countries have been on the increase since the early 20th century. Attitudes toward divorce have changed dramatically in this period, with the general trend toward tolerance of the practice. Although the statistics are highly variable for overall rates, a number of correlations can be drawn between divorce and other factors.

First, divorce rates are affected by national conditions. Historical studies have shown that, in general, fewer divorces occur in times of economic depression and more in times of prosperity or war. The frequency of divorce in the United States, for example, nearly doubled during World War II.

Second, divorce rates are affected by factors related to social circumstances, including ethnic group, religion, class, and economic background. Divorce rates can be expected to be higher in groups that attach less stigma to divorce than in those that attach more. The backgrounds of partners have a more complicated effect on divorce. Studies of racially mixed marriages, for example, show that these may yield specific patterns within specific cultures. One study in the United States suggested far greater stability in marriages of black husbands and white wives than of white husbands and black wives. Such differences no doubt depend on factors derived from sex roles in American society generally, or they may be related to the kinds of people who are most likely to marry outside their group.

Third, divorce rates vary according to the family cycle itself. Many studies have pointed to the fact that the longer a couple has been married, the more likely it is to remain so. Divorce rates are highest among the young, and, if a marriage survives its first few years, there is an increased likelihood that it will continue. Another factor often cited is the presence of children as a deterrent to divorce. Empirical studies have shown, however, that this factor is much less significant than commonly believed.

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Remarriage

With the trend toward higher divorce rates has come an increase in the number of people marrying for the second, third, or fourth time. For most people, including those who have been divorced as well as those who have not, marriage is regarded as the normal way of life. People who have been divorced at least once and have then remarried, however, have a higher probability than others to be divorced again. This tendency may reflect attitudes that result from earlier experiences, but it may also reflect the possibility that a certain proportion of the population finds it especially difficult to maintain long-term relationships. Internal psychological makeup is sometimes responsible, but factors such as occupation and lifestyle are at least as important.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16