Divorce Trends in America

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Divorce in other words is a legal termination of a marriage. The rate of divorce has been increasing throughout the world. The higher rates of this separation in any society interpret the social and cultural changes in that particular period. The trend of being separated in America are changing rapidly due to various factors. It has been observed that spouses give preference to the individual freedom and values than the togetherness.

The following table shows the sum of annulments and separations that took place from the year 2000 to 2007. Also, it provides the percentage of this number in the total population.

Year Sum of annulments and divorces in million Rate of the previous sum per 1,000 population
2000 0.944 4.1
2001 0.940 4.0
2002 0.955 3.9
2003 0.927 3.8
2004 0.879 3.7
2005 0.847 3.6
2006 0.872 3.7
2007 0.856 3.6

This table demonstrates the changing rates for the past eight years. It can be seen that the number of divorces and annulments have reduced over the years. There are many factors that are responsible for this decline.

Trends in America from 1970 to 2000

The following table proves that from 1970 to 2000, the percentage of divorced adults has been constantly increasing. It has been observed that the rate gradually increases and reached the highest in the year 2000. The reasons behind this situation vary from social changes to economic independence of partners.

Year Total adults in million Presently divorced adults in million Percentage of total adults who are presently divorced
1970 132.5 4.3 3.2
1980 159.5 9.9 6.2
1990 181.8 15.1 8.3
1994 190.0 17.4 9.2
1995 191.6 17.6 9.2
1996 193.2 18.2 9.4
1997 195.6 19.3 9.9
1998 197.4 19.4 9.8
1999 199.7 19.7 9.9
2000 201.8 19.881 9.9

Divorce Trends in America in some states

Here are divorce rates in some states in America. These statistics depend on the legal records maintained by each state.

Divorce Rate per 1,000 population Number of Divorces
State 1990 2000 2004
Wyoming 6.6 5.9 5.3
Utah 5.1 4.5 4.1
Rhode Island 3.7 3.1 3.0
North Dakota 3.6 3.2 3.1
New Hampshire 4.7 5.8 3.9
Mississippi 5.5 5.2 4.5
Maine 4.3 4.6 4.3
Illinois 3.8 3.2 2.6
Florida 6.3 5.3 4.8
Arkansas 6.9 6.9 6.1
State 1990 2000 2004
Wyoming 3,100 2,800 2,700
Utah 8,800 9,700 9,800
Rhode Island 3,800 3,100 3,300
North Dakota 2,300 2,000 2,000
New Hampshire 5,300 7,100 5,100
Mississippi 14,400 14,400 13,100
Maine 5,300 5,800 5,700
Illinois 44,300 39,100 33,100
Florida 81,700 81,900 82,700
Arkansas 16,800 17,900 16,900

The table provides two different types of figures. One is the divorce rate in per 1000 people and other is the total number of divorces. This table states the proportion of people in the society who were separated from their respective spouse. The total number of cases differs largely due to state policies and state laws. The states where laws are strict and complicated have lesser number of cases than the state which grants divorce easily.

Trends in America and Reasons for Divorce

There is a relation between the cause of split and the number of divorces. Generally, no-fault cases are preferred by the people, as neither of the couple has to prove marital fault of another. The statistics showing percentage of people seeking separation under various grounds is as follows:

Men in America have cited the following reasons for seeking divorce.

  • 59.3 percent - communication problems
  • 46.9 percent - unhappiness
  • 44.7 percent - incompatibility with spouse
  • 30.2 percent - sexual problems
  • 28.7 percent - financial problems
  • 24.7 percent - emotional abuse

Similarly, women have revealed the reasons mentioned below:

  • 69.7 percent - communication problems
  • 59.9 percent - unhappiness
  • 56.4 percent - incompatibility with spouse
  • 55.5 percent - emotional abuse
  • 32.9 percent - financial problems
  • 32.1 percent - sexual problems
  • 30.0 percent - alcohol abuse of spouse
  • 25.2 percent - infidelity of spouse
  • 21.7 percent - physical abuse

The above statistics gives clear information about the changing trends of divorce in America. This data can help you to get the exact figures of people who were separated so far. As mentioned earlier, this information can be utilized to know the current situation and beliefs in the socio-economic environment.

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