New Study Shows Big Drop in Divorce

Third Positive Trend: Specific Factors Lower Odds of Divorce

Cohen identified specific factors about the women marrying in the last decade that complement our findings as well. Women are getting married at an older age, they tend to be well-educated and they are less likely to have their own children before saying I do. All these factors lower the chance and risk of divorce. The percentage drop that Cohen found implies that these factors greatly increase the success of marriage, maybe even more than people realize.

Cohen does suggest that marriage is becoming uncommon with women who tend to be less educated and financially insecure. This is one demographic that avoids tying the knot and as Cohen points out, suffers a “social inequality” for passing up marriage.

Overall, the study shows that the many women in our younger generations still value marriage and are not entering it lightly. Marriage is becoming more stable and women are becoming more selective. Best of all, Cohen identified trends that suggest the divorce rate will drop even more. Now that is definitely good news about marriage!

Tally Whitehead, M.A. P.T. is Shaunti’s Senior Researcher and contributing author for The Good News About Marriage. She is also a freelance writer, spiritual director and on staff at her church. She resides in the Columbus, Ohio area with her husband and four kids. You can follow Tally on Twitter @tallywhitehead or check out her website at www.tallywhitehead.com