What was once commonly-held knowledge is now being called into question by new studies concerning the actual numbers detailing legal separations across America. Connecticut residents have widely believed that divorce rates have been steadily dropping since the days of Free Love in the 1960s, but new information suggests the opposite is true. A closer look at the existing numbers sheds light on how divorce statistics were incorrectly skewed.
The biggest reason the numbers have been found to be inaccurate is based in a concept called “age standardization.” This concept takes into account the fact that not all divorce rates are equal across different age groups. For example, even though baby boomers typically stay married longer, they are still divorcing at a relatively steady rate well into late life, giving rise to the so-called “grey divorce” epidemic.
Additionally, many young people are eschewing traditional marriage in favor of cohabitation scenarios, in which a marriage ceremony is never conducted and the couple is not properly married in the eyes of the law. When these couples separate, even when children are involved, the numbers do not count toward the divorce rate, which takes into consideration only the dissolution of traditional marriage structures. Ultimately, this new way of thinking about divorce rates across the nation could have a profound effect on the public face of divorce.
No Connecticut resident who has experienced divorce would suggest it is an easy process. However, with the changing statistics on the prevalence of divorce, more people may be inclined to think of it not as a marital failure but rather as a new way of moving forward positively. Coupled with a comprehensive understanding of divorce law, this means more families might find themselves more open to thinking of separation as a healthier, more positive choice for all involved.
Source: thespec.com, “Divorce is on the rise, and it’s the baby boomers’ fault”, Christopher Ingraham, March 27, 2014