What Are the Real Numbers behind Divorce Rates?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DuPage County divorce lawyer

If someone claims that the national divorce rate is roughly 50 percent — if not more — most people would be inclined to believe that number is accurate. The notion that one in two marriages fails is a popular belief, yet it is a misconception.

With contagious article headlines and absurd stories of celebrity marriages almost ending before they began, most Americans assume that divorce is almost guaranteed. The truth, however, is far more nuanced, according to PsychCentral.

The real data shows not only a lower divorce rate than most assume, but it also reveals how economic and social factors play major roles in the ultimate outcome. Moreover, it appears that the common myth of a 50 percent to 60 percent divorce rate is making people more pessimistic about marriage.

The Real Divorce Rate: It Is Lower Than You Think

The 50 percent statistic that most Americans like to cite, as it turns out, was actually from a study conducted in the 1970s. Academic criticisms, according to the article above, have revealed that several issues existed in the study, creating a false outcome.

 In reality, the divorce rate has shifted quite a bit throughout the '80s, '90s, and the recent recession of the late 2000s. Given all the current data, it seems more likely that the rate of divorce is closer to 30 percent—which is a far cry from 50 percent.

College Degrees, Economic Factors, and a More Hopeful Chance for Marriage

Other data suggests that it may not be appropriate to place a blanketed statistic over the number of American divorces, as college and the economy play a much larger role than previously thought. It seems to be the case that when the economy is poorer, married couples choose to stay together as financial security is somewhat more reliable than choosing to go it alone. As a result, the divorce rate might climb somewhat as economic conditions improve because it is easier to get by on a single income.

There is also a significant difference, according to recent statistics, between the divorce rates of those with and without college degrees. Married women age 25 to 30 with a college degree and a reliable source of income have less than a one in four chance of getting divorced.

For some, however, divorce might be the right decision. If you are currently facing a divorce or separation, consulting an experienced Aurora divorce attorney might be to your benefit. With a thorough understanding of marital law and nearly 10 years of experience, the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams can help you. Call us today at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation.