Why are divorce rates increasing?

Question

There are a lot of people divorcing over the last few years. People are not taking marriage as seriously.

I was working on my disertation and I was looking at statistics collected by the census bureau. Check out the site. www.census.gov/ index.html

Be careful what websites you get your information from because not all are create equally. .gov websites, peer reviewed and Scholarly sites or articles are great.

Answer 1

The sacred bond of marriage is now entered into lightly. Everyone knows (before they get married) they have an alternative if it doesn't work out. Many people do not try as hard to keep a marriage together when they feel there is someone else out there who will be with them.
There is a lot of people who want more than just a marriage. They want a side item also. Unfortunately this is unacceptable for the other person and a divorce case is in process.
At one time the world frowned on divorce for any reason. Society has changed since then. People are starting to look past divorce as a downfall. There are many young children getting married now who have not experienced enough of the world to know if this is who they want to be with for the rest of their life. I was 18 when I became engaged. Thank God I realized I didn't want to be married to this person before it was to late. I was just liking the idea of the ring and playing house. I did not think of the future at the time.

Answer 2

My own viewpoint, from a sociological aspect is... it's easier to change partners than it is to change ourselves. A sad commentary on modern western values. For many, marriage has become more of a financial business contract than a union of two people in the eyes of a Higher Power. Add to that the slow demise of societal morals over the past several decades... and marriage as a whole and as an institution has been demoted in the eyes of many. Take a look at our parents' and Grandparents' generations. Most couples stayed together (even when it might have been better for both parties not to) through some very tough times. A good relationship isn't something that just 'happens'... it takes hard work, dedication, devotion, communication, respect and compromise... something that too many (though not all) younger couples lack the patience and maturity to carry through.

Answer 3

I assume you are talking about the U.S.? I wasn't aware they were increasing over the last few years so I did a Google search and it seems they have been increasing but not just in the last few years. There was a peak in the 70's and 80's. Also the second link below states the U.S. is no longer collecting divorce rates. There are several articles that discuss the possible reasons in depth.

http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/4971.php
http://www.aldridgeshs.qld.edu.au/sose/modrespg/families/divorce/Advice%20on%20divorce%20rates%20-.htm
http://www.clasp.org/publications/children_and_divorce.htm

Where did you get your information, do you have a link? Or is this merely a personal observation among people you know?

Edited: I agree with Carolmere above that people do pay way too much attention to the big house, the big wedding, the big ring and the clothes, shoes, house and not the relationship and the family. Kind of like when pregnant women worry their whole pregnancy about the perfect name, maternity clothes, buggy, crib, nursery but don't give a thought to the next 18 yrs.

Answer 4

Because lots of people are getting married just for the wedding day and aren't thinking past the big white dress and the party. Reality is a ***** and once the party is over and they wake up, they realize that the don't really want to keep any vows.

Marriage is man made and will never work the way it's suppose to on paper. People grow and change. Men and women have different ideas of what a marriage is.

These are just some of the reasons.

Answer 5

All one has to do is turn into A&E and watch Bridezilla or Whose Wedding is it Anyway. In my humble opinion, the divorce rate is going up because people are not putting any effort into their marriage. They think getting married is about having a huge ceremony and the fairytale honeymoon. The stress and money spent on these to things alone are enough to drive most couples to the brink. But what really puts them over the edge is that they have not put any work into the actual relationship. Its all about how you get married - - not who and why.

People are not looking ahead - they have a romantiscized idea of what a relationship is suppose to be like (thanks in part to the media) and therefore when the relationship doesn't happen like they do in hollywood - they bail. Relationships aren't all sparkles and excitement. They move through stages of commitment and security. Once the newness dies off - - people think the love is gone and thats not true. Its just different and all stages of love should be honored.

Answer 6

That's because alot of people rush so fast into marriage without taking the chance of getting to know one another.Or the partner is very abusive in all ways and the spouse can't take it any longer.Then u might have some that think they are better off as friends so that they can avoid certain situations.And lastly you might have the one's that found them someone new,and just not feeling there spouse any longer,I hope the best of luck to everyone.

Answer 7

Marriage is hard work...each person goes into a marriage with expectations of how it will be and are often disappointed to find that their partner does not have the same expectations. It is easier to get divorced than it is too compromise...

Answer 8

People jump too quickly into marriage because it is seen as disposable, easy to get out of quickly. Oddly enough my husband and I have been together since 1989 and we cannot legally marry. Yet, you could go to Vegas get drunk and marry the first stranger that asked you and get divorced the next day.

Answer 9

I agree... People get into a marriage for the wrong reasons, and look at it as, if it doesn't work out, just get a divorce...

Answer 10

the "cheaper to keep her" is not working anymore - many women are as capable of providing for their children without a mans help- and seems if u get divorced u usually dont get help..so i think women are asking for divorces more these days than opposed to men... i did....