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.
Divorce Rate in America is on the Rise
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the divorce rate in America has been steadily increasing since the mid-1990s. While the divorce rate for the nation´s oldest married couples is at its lowest point since the 1950s, the divorce rate for younger couples is continually rising. This increase has been attributed to a variety of factors, including economic struggles, changing family dynamics, and other social changes.
Women are Driving the Rising Divorce Rate in America
Women are driving the increasing divorce rates in America. A study by researchers at San Francisco State University found that single women are four times more likely to file for divorce than married women. The study revealed a correlation between the advent of the women’s liberation movement and the rising divorce rate among married couples.
The Impact of Technology on American Divorce
As technology has advanced, so has the accessibility of divorce. Technological advances have simplified various aspects of the divorce process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Online divorce services provide couples with the option of filing their own divorce papers without the help of a lawyer, while websites like EquitableMediation.com provide couples with online mediation services.
Divorce on the Rise Among Older Americans
Recent studies show that the divorce rate in America is on the rise among older couples. In fact, the number of couples over the age of 50 who are getting divorced has tripled since the 1990s. Older Americans are divorcing in great numbers due to second marriages, longer lifespans, economic stability, and improved social attitudes.
Divorce is Becoming More Acceptable in Society
Divorce is a difficult decision and the stigma once attached to it still has a lingering presence in society. As a result, many couples struggle with the emotional and psychological consequences of divorce, such as feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, and regret.
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.
