How Sociologists View Divorce

By Family & Relationships Last updated Thursday, May/23/2024

Adult Children from Divorced Parents

Sociological studies indicate that divorce has a lasting effect on children. A 2001 study by K. Kiernan reported that adults who had divorced or separated parents were less likely to marry. Dr. Norval Glenn, a sociologist at the University of Texas, and Elizabeth Marquardt studied 750 adults whose parents had divorced when they were children and 750 whose parents had remained married. Ironically, he discovered that adults whose parents had amicable divorces were most traumatized. They often could not understand what made their parents divorce, and thus, they had less confidence in marriage.

Individuals who cohabitate and then later marry are more likely to divorce. Sociological studies in 2000 by D. Coleman and in 2003 by J. Teachman indicate that premarital cohabitation has a detrimental effect on individuals staying married. In fact, marriages preceded by cohabitation are about twice as likely to end in divorce as those without premarital cohabitation. Also, the marriage age of women, but not men, had a correlation with divorce. Women who waited to marry had more realistic marriage expectations and were much less likely to divorce.

Sociologists identify a "divorce divide" among women. Over a ten year period, those least likely to get divorced were women with at least a four-year degree. Financially, these women were also more secure. Women having to multi-task can also lead to marriage dissolution. A 2004 study by E. Oinonen revealed that even though many married women are employed outside the home, they are still most responsible for domestic duties and childcare. Many women also care for elderly parents. Too much multi-tasking can lead to strained partnerships and divorce.

Marital expectations influence divorce. The work "Portrait of Divorce" identified that women have higher expectations for friendship and personal happiness in marriage. Divorced women identified lack of quality time with ex-husbands and unfair division of household chores as contributing to divorce. Divorce is much more likely to occur, however, if the husband is unhappy than if the wife is not happy. Sociologists indicate this may be because traditionally men have had more financial independence and are less willing to stay in an unhappy relationship.