Many marriages end in divorce. In fact, 50% of all marriages end shortly after they begin. There are many theories as to why the number of divorces has risen so dramatically. Is there a discussion without controversy between a man and a woman? Is Generation X simply a less tolerant group of people unwilling to deal with minor imperfections in marriage? What solutions do these frequent divorces hinder?
There are several theories as to why marriages often end in divorce. However, do men and women simply not understand each other’s needs and wants? Is there a lack of respect for each other and for marriage in general? Has social, economic, political, and interpersonal change left this generation unable to understand the opposite sex? Have the role changes in marriages changed so drastically that a man and a woman can’t get the job done? Is generation 10 so emotionally drained by their parents’ marriages that they are unable to have a happy and intimate relationship? Are people marrying out of fear of loneliness? Is Generation X the “best” state to do? (Why the divorce?)
“It is agreed that the overall 1 US divorce rate had a brief spurt after WWII, followed by a decline, then beginning in the 1960s and leveling off much more rapidly in the 1970s and [in the] 1980s and [has since] declined.” (Divorce Statistics Collections) The Barna Research Group surveyed 3,854 adults from 48 states and determined that 11% of the adult population is actually divorced. However, 25% of adults are divorced. This means second marriages are a viable option. (US Divorce Rates)
The same research established that there is a relationship between divorce rates and denominations of faith. Baptists have a 29% divorce rate, and Jewish people have a 30% divorce rate. However, it was found that Catholics, Lutherans, and atheists have 21% of divorces. Is it possible that religions with specific roles, strictly gender force marriages that end in divorce? (US Divorce Rates)
General gaps seem to play an even bigger role in divorces. Marriages of people in the 10th generation have a divorce rate of 50%, while Baby Boomers (now aged 33 to 52) have a divorce rate of 34%. People from the founding generation (age 53 to 72) have a slightly higher divorce rate of 37%. Seniors, age 72 and older have a divorce rate of just 18%. It is possible that behavior and gender roles have changed so drastically in the past 50 years that marriage today simply doesn’t work. (US Divorce Rates)
It has also been established that divorce rates are related to rent. Marriages in the South and Midwest have a 27% chance of ending in divorce. Marriages in the West have a slightly lower 26% risk of divorce. However, marriages in the Northeast have a 19% chance of ending in divorce. The change in divorce rates due to localities is due to the fact that the common law marriage age is lower in some areas. Also in these areas household income are lower, putting a financial burden on the relationship. (US Divorce Rates)
Many solutions have been proposed to the problem of divorce. Do they not marry at all, but rather just live together? Or is the cause of divorce stricter since divorces are rare? Should the marriage be contracted with the option of renewal after 2, 3 or 5 years? If the spouses were given the option to simply expire the marriage contract, less effort would be put into making the marriage work. Marriage is just a convenient alternative to dating or cohabitation. There would be more children living in each parent’s house, and the trend would continue. When making a marriage contract renewable, a game or product, such as a car that one can rent until they are ready for the other. Marriage, the union of people in love, should be a joke.
A better solution to the problem of divorce is to have a time mandate that the two spouses must live together. This would allow the couple to see how they relate to each other and if the marriage could be successful. Then couples should have the option to get married. If they find it impossible to live together, than perhaps, marriage is not a secure relationship for them. However, if the trial period is worth it, marriage may be an option.
There are many reasons why marriages fail. Age, location, behavior, communication, and faith all contribute to the success of a marriage. Many solutions have been proposed to this divorce problem, including the marriage option: a renewed contract. This solution has not only failed in many marriages. Communication should be improved above, as well as the aspects of the couple that should be married, should be examined more carefully. before the office.
Works cited
“Divorce Statistics Collection: Summary of Findings,” Americans for Divorce Reform, at http:www.divorceform.org/results.html
“U.S. Divorce Rates: For Dear Faith Groups, Age Groups, and Geographic Areas”. Religious tolerance, at http://religioustolerance.org/chr_dira.htm
“why? divorce” Anonymous, at http://members.aol.com/WhyPage/divorce1.html
