Divorce Rates in the United States: A Look at the Numbers
Divorce rates in the United States have been a topic of discussion for decades. While the national average divorce rate in 2020 was almost 64% lower than the average of previous years, the divorce rate in America in 2021 was estimated to be around 45% before Covid-19. However, several legal professionals noticed an increase in divorce filings by mid-2021, most likely due to restrictions being eased.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the divorce rates in the United States, the factors affecting them, and the statistics on divorce by age, ethnicity, and occupation.
Factors Affecting Divorce Rates
There are several factors that can affect divorce rates in the United States. One of the most significant factors is the age at which people get married. According to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics, couples who get married at a younger age are more likely to get divorced. The study found that couples who get married before the age of 25 have a higher divorce rate than those who get married later in life.Another factor that can affect divorce rates is the level of education.
Studies have shown that couples with higher levels of education are less likely to get divorced. This may be because they have better communication skills and are more likely to work through their problems. Financial stability is also a significant factor in divorce rates. Couples who struggle financially are more likely to get divorced than those who are financially stable. This may be because financial stress can put a strain on a relationship and lead to arguments and disagreements.
Statistics on Divorce by Age, Ethnicity, and Occupation
Age is a significant factor in divorce rates. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate for couples between the ages of 25 and 39 is higher than for couples over the age of 40. In fact, the divorce rate for those in their 20s is almost twice as high as those in their 30s. This may be because younger couples are still figuring out their careers and lives, and may not have the maturity and communication skills needed to maintain a long-term relationship.Ethnicity can also play a role in divorce rates.
According to a study by the American Sociological Association, African American couples have a higher divorce rate than white couples. The study found that African American couples are almost twice as likely to get divorced than white couples. However, the study also found that Asian couples have a lower divorce rate than white couples.
Occupation can also affect divorce rates. According to a study by the Institute for Family Studies, couples in certain occupations are more likely to get divorced than others. The study found that couples in service jobs, such as food service and retail, have a higher divorce rate than those in professional jobs, such as medicine and law. This may be because service jobs often have irregular hours and low pay, which can put a strain on a relationship.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Divorce Rates
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on divorce rates in the United States. Many couples have been forced to spend more time together due to lockdowns and restrictions, which has led to increased tensions and conflicts. In addition, financial stress caused by job losses and economic uncertainty has put a strain on many relationships. Despite initial reports of a decrease in divorce rates during the pandemic, many legal professionals have reported an increase in divorce filings by mid-2021. As restrictions have eased and life has started to return to normal, some couples have realized that they are no longer compatible and have decided to end their marriages.
While the Covid-19 pandemic initially had a mixed impact on divorce rates, there has been an increase in divorce filings in recent months.
In conclusion, divorce rates in the United States are influenced by various factors such as age, education, financial stability, ethnicity, and occupation. It is essential to understand the factors that contribute to divorce rates to help couples work through their issues and maintain healthy, long-lasting relationships.
