Divorce facts
Divorce rates have increased over the last 40 years
Divorces in 2012 were higher than in 1961
42% of marriages end in divorce
Serial monogamy is now taking place at a higher rate – divorcing and remarrying
More couples are choosing to cohabit than marry
65% of divorce applications come from women
Couples who are more likely to divorce are those who marry young, those who cohabit before
marriage and when one or both people have been married before
5 non-theoretical reasons for divorce
Changes in law
Divorce was made cheaper so most people can now afford it
Women can now file for divorce
Decline in stigma and attitudes
Divorce is more common and normalized
It is more socially acceptable, and people are no longer shamed upon for getting a divorce - can
be seen as a celebration
Secularization
Religion is losing its power and influence over people as modern society is becoming less
religious
Rising expectations
Women now expect equal housework and responsibilities from the man and have set higher
standards
Women’s position
More women are now working and earning their own money
Girls statistically do better than boys in school, allowing them to have more opportunity to a
higher paid job
The idea of women being housewives and the man being the breadwinner is disappearing
Divorce rates have increased over the last 40 years
Divorces in 2012 were higher than in 1961
42% of marriages end in divorce
Serial monogamy is now taking place at a higher rate – divorcing and remarrying
More couples are choosing to cohabit than marry
65% of divorce applications come from women
Couples who are more likely to divorce are those who marry young, those who cohabit before
marriage and when one or both people have been married before
5 non-theoretical reasons for divorce
Changes in law
Divorce was made cheaper so most people can now afford it
Women can now file for divorce
Decline in stigma and attitudes
Divorce is more common and normalized
It is more socially acceptable, and people are no longer shamed upon for getting a divorce - can
be seen as a celebration
Secularization
Religion is losing its power and influence over people as modern society is becoming less
religious
Rising expectations
Women now expect equal housework and responsibilities from the man and have set higher
standards
Women’s position
More women are now working and earning their own money
Girls statistically do better than boys in school, allowing them to have more opportunity to a
higher paid job
The idea of women being housewives and the man being the breadwinner is disappearing
