It’s said that “love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage,” but today’s divorce rates may prove otherwise. It’s no news that divorce rate in the US hovers around 50%.
A few decades ago, divorce was taboo.
In today’s world, divorce can be considered a norm. Every nation in the world allows its citizens to divorce under certain conditions, except for the Philippines, where divorce is illegal.
In the US, the divorce rate has been falling, though it remains the third highest in the world. The nation has also witnessed some of the most expensive divorces in the world, with Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott split up, costing a staggering $38 billion.
Ever wondered why divorce is so common in the twenty-first century?
Well, that’s what we’re here to figure out. In this guide, we’ll reveal the US divorce figures for 2023 and discuss the major factors contributing to divorce in America.
How Common Is Divorce In America?
Researchers estimate that 40 – 50% of all first marriages end in divorce or separation, and about 65% of second marriages end in divorce. In the US, divorce is still very common though the rate is declining. Both the marriage and divorce rates have declined from 2011 to 2021.
In 2011, there were 9.7 divorces per 1,000 women in the US. In 2021, the divorce rate decreased to 6.9 per 1,000 women. The same goes for marriage. In 2021, the marriage rate was 14.9 per 1,000 women, down from 16.3 a decade ago.
Overall, 40 – 50% of all marriages in the US end in divorce, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Nevada tops the list of the states with the highest divorce rate, followed by Oklahoma, Wyoming, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Although divorce is legal in every state, each state has its own laws regarding when and how the process should be handled. Divorce laws in California, for example, require the parties to establish they are residents, be separated from each other, and declare the ground for divorce.
Common Causes Of Divorce In America
Divorces make headlines for different reasons. Sometimes, the reason can be serious issues like abuse. While not often, divorce can also happen because the parties involved are famous. Here are the most common reasons people give for their divorce.
1. Physical Abuse
The most egregious reason couples divorce is physical abuse or domestic violence.
Domestic violence starts with some form of control over the other spouse, such as financial control or control over who manages the business. Often this leads to disagreements, physical abuse, and eventually divorce.
Domestic violence can lead to bruises, broken bones, and death in the worst-case scenario. Physical violence in marriage is unacceptable, and victims need a way out.
Sometimes, a temporary separation can allow couples to rethink and decide whether to repair the relationship. But in most cases, victims of physical abuse opt for divorce.
2. Infidelity
According to the APA, 20 – 40% of divorces are due to infidelity. While infidelity is a leading cause of divorce, different couples respond to it in different ways. For example, some couples may have an “open” approach to polyamory unions.
However, when a marriage is supposed to be monogamous, and one spouse engages in extramarital affairs, trust can be lost, leading to divorce or permanent separation.
3. Going with the Flow
A few years ago, divorce was for the rich and the famous. But in today’s society, the rhythm has changed. In fact, poor and low-income couples have higher rates of divorce than celebrities.
The reason?
Going with the flow! Today’s generation has the habit of copying what’s trending, and the juicy celebrity divorces that have been making headlines play a role in the rising divorce rate.
Additionally, the young generation is marrying for the wrong reasons. They enter into marriages because their age mates are all married, only to end up with incompatible partners. And any marriage that’s not based on love is doomed to fail from the word go.
4. Addictions
Addiction can come in many forms, such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, pornography, or gambling. Alcohol and tobacco abuse are the major culprits though addiction to gambling, sex, and pornography can be just as detrimental to a marriage.
This is because addiction messes a person’s life—compromises their decision-making abilities, leading to irresponsible behavior and neglect.
Additionally, addiction can be expensive, especially if one spouse is addicted to pricy substances like cocaine. Worst of all, an alcoholic or drug addict parent can hurt children in many ways and even negatively influence them.
5. Financial Issues
Marriages can break down because of money issues. For instance, a higher-earning spouse may resent the other party, or the lower-earner may resent the high-earning spouse.
Other money issues that can lead to divorce include:
- Large debts
- Having vastly different spending habits
- Changing careers without consulting the other spouse
- Not dividing financial responsibilities
Disagreements can also arise regarding how jointly earned money should be spent or who should manage the family business. If a consensus isn’t reached, such disagreements can escalate, leading to dishonesty, violence, and divorce.
Wrapping Up
Divorce is very common in the US, with approximately 40% of marriages ending in divorce or permanent separation. Some of the leading causes of divorce include abuse, infidelity, addictions, financial issues, and going with the flow.
Additionally, divorce has been widely accepted in many nations, including America. There are also more lenient marriage laws for handling divorce and separation, which have further made divorce an easier remedy for opting out of marriage. As a result, divorce is no longer considered taboo as it once was but a norm that has gained acceptance in many nations.
