Introduction
The divorce rate in America trends show an increase in separations over the past several decades. Marriages that span a lifetime are becoming less common with more couples opting to end their unions either through divorce or separation. While the number remains high, the divorce rate in America is actually stabilizing as it has since its peak in the 1980s. Even with the rise in divorce, many factors such as age, religion, occupation, and race can affect the frequency with which people will divorce in the United States.
The Divorce Rate in the US: A Look Back
In the early 1950s, the divorce rate in America was relatively low at around 9.2 per 1,000 married adults. By the early 1970s, this number had nearly doubled to 18.2 per 1,000, peaking at 22.6 per 1,000 in the 1980s. Since then, the divorce rate in the United States has decreased slightly to 19.3 divorces per 1,000 in 2017 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The growing acceptance of divorce and the ease of filing because of laws that have been in place since 1969 has also contributed to the high divorce rate in the United States. Couples can easily make the decision to go their separate ways and move on with their lives.
Causes & Effects of Divorce in the United States
The rise in the divorce rate in America speaks to the changing attitudes toward marriage and long-term commitment, as well as the instability of traditional family structures. The breakdown of traditional gender roles, lack of communication between spouses, financial strains, and infidelity are some of the leading factors for divorce in the US.
Solutions to Help Strengthen Marriages in the US
It is possible to decrease the divorce rate in America and create healthier and stronger American households. For example, premarital education can help couples gain a better understanding of each other and build better communication skills. Couples can also benefit from marriage counseling and therapy, even if the marriage is not in trouble.
Overall, there are many solutions to help strengthen marriages in the United States and decrease the divorce rate in America. It is important to remember that reducing divorce requires both personal and community effort. By understanding the trends in American marriages, we can learn how to improve our own relationships and create a healthier and stronger society.
