Why is divorce so high in first world countries?

Question

In third world countries the divorce rate is very low. In first world the divorce rate is like around fifty percent or higher. Why?

dantetheexplorer · Accepted Answer

Because in first world countries, women have more opportunities compared to their third world counterparts. Women in first world countries have more job opportunities and are able to live an independent life. Their third world counterparts might not have as many opportunities, so they stay in unhappy or even abusive marriages because they know that they wouldn't be able to support themselves if they leave their spouses.

Personally, I find it great that women in first world countries no longer need to be dependent on men. There are those men who simply lack empathy and cannot put themselves in women's shoes, men who have no idea what it feels like to have half as many opportunities simply because they were born into the "wrong" sex, who have no idea what it feels like to have members of the opposite sex think of them as incompetent simply because of their sex.

And, it's always amusing to see all the disgruntled men here go on and on about how women are like this and women are like that, when the reality is - women no longer NEED men. And these men cannot cope with this new reality. Many heterosexual women still WANT men - but they no longer NEED men. The freedom of independence, the delights of financial emancipation, the Luxury to live your life on your own terms - more and more women have that now. And at the end of the day, having more choices in your life can only be a good thing.

NearlyNapping · Accepted Answer

1) No-fault divorce laws. Meaning that legally you need very little reason to get a divorce. There was a sharp increase in divorces after that. Quite simply, the courts allow divorce much more easily than they used to.

2) It's more accepted by society.

3) People see reason for people being allowed to divorce when the marriage sucks. A person shouldn't be forced to stay in a marriage where they are miserable just because of legal and societal taboos.

4) It's not really as high as it seems. A 50% divorce rate does not mean 50% of people who get married get divorced. That divorce rate includes people who get married and divorced multiple times. A person who gets divorced a first time is MUCH more likely to get divorced again... and again. So in a first marriage, the odds of staying married are much higher than the stated divorce rate.

5) Overall, society just doesn't place as much importance on it as it used to. As a result people just don't take marriage as seriously as they used to.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I’d imagine it’s because people in third world countries don’t have much. They need financial support from a partner. And obviously disease rates are a lot higher, it’s more likely to die young. So they stay together for love and support.

In the first world, divorce happens simply because we can. Most partners cannot be bothered sorting out their issues, or get married so they’re not alone. We get taught - School, University, Job, Marriage, Kids. And so people want to make that their reality, even when it isn’t what they actually want. And then they realise it isn’t what they want. So they get divorced. Simple as that.

TrixiePooch · Accepted Answer

People want to jump into bed before they even know someone. Would it be surprising that people get married for the same reason? When they finally come back down to earth they realize that sex isn't everything and they messed up, so they get a divorce. And then you have all the cheaters that don't want to get divorced but still like sex, just not with their mate, so again divorce when the other finds out. Human nature just sucks sometimes.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

Divorce rate is higher in the US because young people - and older people - have become accustomed to instant gratification PLUS if something breaks, you get a new one instead of repairing the old one. People want marriage to be like a visit to the ice cream parlor where you always get what you want. They don't expect to work to keep a marriage strong so they just quit instead of trying to work and resolve problems.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

Because people believe life is about pleasure and not about responsibility. Being oversaturated with pleasures like t. v., radio, internet, movies, and an endless supply of food perpetuates this belief.

passinby · Answer

Because in first world countries no one ever had to or knows how to struggle. Everyone is sooo spoiled and live in an almost virtual world anymore. So the first sign of this is hard, it is time to run.

We lease everything, all it temporary for instant gratification. E. g. the fake exciting overpriced party/wedding, all the gifts, friends, etc. Then reality sets in. It is just like a big wedding hangover; the remedy is vodka and a divorce on the rocks.

Women are independent and don’t need or I think want men anymore (zero respect for men per 1st world culture) long term and men are freed (after they have been bled to death) in this new world, so why stay in it? Why do it in the first place?

The divorce industry is 4-5 billion revenues (in the US that I remember) so it through the media and other means encourages divorce. No fault divorce is a gravy train for it. Feminism is a non stop money generator for it. Marriages are seed money for it. There is a large transference of personal wealth into the divorce industry by it. Big business at it’s best.

Humans are not monogamous by nature and so marriage was society’s attempt to enforce that unnatural state. Marriage was designed for control of this basic instinct. If marriage is easy to leave, it has no purpose. First world is easy to leave while third world is harder.

Harsh_Ch · Answer

Third world countries are patriarchal and do not give their women full rights... this prevents them from being fully independent and forces them to be dependent on their husbands

This also increases the overall fertility rate of the countries as the women are forced to breed
Essentially, the Muslims would out-breed the feminist countries like USA, UK , Germany, Japan etc in a couple of generations
Look at London and Sweden for reference, they want to vote for having Sharia courts lol

Also, countries where women do not have voting rights/ or communist countries where their votes don't matter also have a high fertility rate like Russia, China and Middle East countries
Because if they have full voting rights, the government would be forced to cater to their needs first as they are the majority of the population (due to high mortality of men) and hence would be powerless over the fertility rate and would have to "empower" women over the expense of men in some sick "equality" bullshit
The next generation of children would pay the price for that

It's about time men realized why the traditional marriage system made the woman obedient towards the man and why it no longer exists now (it was to make sure our race was't out bred by others)
Also, a patriarchal community will ALWAYS take over an egalitarian or a matriarchal/feminist community... it's just a matter who... the conservatives who will take away public voting rights and give it to only the ones who want to be drafted or the Muslims

godfatherfan · Answer

Unfortunately, young people in first world countries are spoiled. If you look at the baby boomer era, divorce rates are very low. They go up significantly for Gen X and astronomically for millenials. People are too used to getting exactly what they want. So when things get tough, they just throw their family away instead of fighting for it. In poorer nations, people need family more then first world countries. Many generations live in the same house. They don't have the resources to just throw people away like they were nothing. Also, third world countries aren't as petty as the people in first world. Life is harder and it is a struggle to survive. They are not going out partying every night and sleeping with other people. They are together to live, not just to have a good time. It is sad how many people bail on their family. If you can fall in love, as long as there isn't abuse, there is no reason you can't find that love again if your willing to work at it.

NatashaJ · Answer

Because in third world countries most of the time they are forced to marry people they didn't choose and be shame if they get a divorce even thou they are misery. I don't understand how people talk shit about western countries and how your able to divorce like people change! shit happens where relationships fall apart no one should be shit on just because they had a divorce I rather be divorced and happy then struck in a marriage with person I no longer love because I am scare of the backlash and shame coming from it just saying.

4pple · Answer

There's a few reasons why divorce as a whole becomes more common. Firstly, modern society makes it a more acceptable and easy option to take, it's much easier to divorce and replace a perskn than to try and work out problems with them. Furthermore you're more likely to view divorce as viable option if people in your surrounding (mainly your parents) have been divorced. There's also interpersonal factors, the most common being marrying too soon, like after only 1 or 2 years together, then into the marriage the people realize they just don't get along together enough to live together and end up divorcing.
As a whole, it's a self-fuelling spiral, where divorce is seen more as one option rater than a drastic call, devaluing marriage as a whole and further making divorce more of a casual decision rather than a last-choice-decision.

Decentguy · Answer

Divorce is high in every country these days, and the major reasons for that are :

1. Most people can't stay loyal to their partner.

2. People dont want to work hard in their relationships, When a light bulb doesn't works you fix the light bulb, you dont change your house.

3. They dont want to make compromises and sacrifices in their relationship, but dont get me wrong, i dont mean compromising things like when your partner cheats on you, NO, I mean when you want something in your relationship, like any expensive car, but your partner wants something expensive too, so you compromise your happiness for your partner so he/she can be happy.

coralee · Answer

Divorce rates are higher in first world countries because people are allowed to get divorced. In developing countries people may be publicly shamed, ostracized or even killed in some instances for trying to get a divorce. Now this doesn't mean the First World system is perfect by any means. We still cling on to ridiculous notions of a one true love, and love at first sight instead of realizing marriage takes work and you have to choose to put the effort in sometimes. You have to realize that divorce hasn't been socially acceptable even in First World countries for long we are still taking the time to work out the kinks. We will get there cultural shifts always have some fallout. But, personally I'd rather live in a world where people in toxic marriages have the recourse to get out of them.

Freiburger · Answer

Look at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in the context of relationships. People in Developing and Less Developed Countries consider a happy marriage as fulfilling the needs in Tier 1-3. However in the Developed World, certainly in Western Europe, North America and Oceania people are on Tier 4-5. Basically a marriage that doesn't push you enough to become a better version of yourself is not worth it. This makes marriage in the west a lot harder...

blubblubblub · Answer

they may have the same amount of problems, but the couple in the third world country would just stick it out while couples in a first world country have the freedom to walk out. in a third world country, marriage is often still very much like a lifelong "deal" of sort based on financial circumstances. money is short, and divorce is expensive. marriage is also very religious and seen as more sacred, and there's a huge stigma around divorce. especially the female, she's often shamed for being a divorcee. divorce is not an option for them, even if things are going to hell usually.

whereas in a first world country marriages are based on compatibility, and when problems arise, it's a bigger deal. and people are given the freedom to walk out, there's not as much of a stigma around it, people are praised for walking out of a failing marriage. finances generally aren't as big of an issue either.

JackNahil · Answer

It's a double edged sword. The reason divorce rates are so Low in third world countries (I'm from one) is because it's socially looked down upon, yet from my observations I'd say the unhappiness ratio of married couples is the same average as from first world ones, roughly 70% of people are unhappily married but cannot even consider divorce due to religious or social stigmas attached to it.

Secondly, divorce rates are so high in first world countries because of two reasons:
Women are liberated enough to demand divorce with little consequences and more often, benefits.
Second reason is because in general, the first world's have a superficial idea of marriage in modern times. So emotionally immature people go on to marry other emotionally immature people not realizing that "the honeymoon love phase" only lasts a maximum of a year, and after that marriage is the same as any other relationship and requires commitment, communication and shared values.

Carley99 · Answer

I'm from a third world country but I agree to this well as aside from the fact that divorce is expensive and most likely both parties are so broke (in a third word country) they can't even afford it, but a lot of young people are married and the women that I've meet aren't fully dependant on their husbands and a lot of people want to get married. I guess it's mostly likely of a cultural or generation thing in first world countries if something seems as if it's not working out it's better to quit I think that some people have that kind of mentality when it comes to marriage, also knowing that they can afford marriage they have that stored in the back of their minds if it doesn't work out.

Just_A_Guy2018 · Answer

Women monkey branching. Women have figured out how to screw guys over. They can ride the cock carousel when they are younger, then when the baby rabies kicks in they can easily find a provider male. trick him into marriage which is designed to benefit women legally, then pop out a couple of kids. Then she gets bored with her domestic life, so she kicks him out, uses big daddy government and the courts to get them to force the guy to pay alimony and child support, gets the vehicles and house and moves in her new boy toy and get the poor sap now ex to pay for it all.

winterfox10 · Answer

There are a few reasons, but they all boil down to the fact that people in the 1st world have a greater sense of individual security. Marriage isn't about making sure that you'll be okay for us.

1. People marry for love and happiness in the 1st World, which means that they are less likely to see the marriage through to the end if it's not making them happy in life.

2. Men and Women have their own sources of income, such that divorce isn't nearly as devastating for most people... Basically, if your marriage collapses, it sucks, but you aren't likely to have your life destroyed by it.

3. Technology and modern conveniences mean that people are always looking for the next thing, whatever that may be. If I don't want to work to get something, there's almost always a way for me to get it any way.

OldDad · Answer

Third world countries often time see marriage as a partnership, sort of like a business is ran. You work out your problems. There is some religioud beliefs, but you can be divorced in any culture. The ways out of a marriage aren't always in the nest interest of the wife though.
Even in the U. S. marriages were considered a business agreement. My Great Grandmother was married off to my Great great grandfathers friend. He was on his 40s, she was 12.
The basic thing is people think thet love will keep a marriage together, but love only goes as far as couples are willing to work at it.

Ayer93 · Answer

My guess without doing any research on the matter would be that in first world countries social media is more prevalent and connecting with people is much easier. You can easily find other prospects within a short period of time by browsing dating sites or going to events. It's human nature to want more than what you have. When you have a bicycle, and you see someone with a motorcycle, you get jealous and desire it. That concept applies to relationships as well. If you see someone you find more attractive (chemistry or physically) than what you have, then you start desiring more. It's hard to get in the mentality to be content with what you have. In 3rd world countries people stick to what's familiar because it's "safe" and helps them get by in life.

yucel_eden · Answer

Severse reasOna:

1.) women in Third world countries are more dependent on their husband if divorced will have nothing
2.) Marriage has more meaning in third world countries whethers in the west marriage is a piece of paper
3.) Woman in western countries can divorce when bored and still have their ex husband look after them if they have kids plus the state
4.) Depression is very very very common to the point most people don’t understand they have it in western countries which means they do not love or care in the sane way others do in less developed countries where they understand the value of life and not the value of an ipad

Pauliho · Answer

It's a luxury, you're not depending on your partner or a necessity to putting in significant effort to make things work. Marriage is a partnership to raise kids and create a bastion against the world. Not a vacation home, not a love trip it's for two lovers deel in the trenches, and If you are free to leave anytime and the weather is good out of the trench, why would you bother trying to build a bastion with your partner. Just set up a vacation home and evacuate with the winter wind. Many people want passion and love, but that doesn't work for marriage. Why would people in the west bother staying in a bunker if you can go on a vacation...

skateranon123 · Answer

Honestly I think its because people Get married because of the fear of being alone.

I had a friend who was like " OMG if I dont have a baby by age 24 I'm gonna go crazy my clock is ticking!" Some people say the same about marrying typically before the age of 30.

So people scurry amock and date, date date those relationships start going bad so they lower their standards out of desperation and they end up with a "good enough" person.

A lot of women end up with men they dont find physically attrative and the put up with it for a long time but a lot break and start to "not love him anymore" but by then they are already married with kids.

I'm not saying this is the case for ALL divorce (cheatin, abuse and other things come to mind too)

Anonymous · Answer

Because divorce is expensive. If both partners have good enough jobs and funds to be independent, they can afford to split. If they need each other to survive without becoming homeless, they can't divorce as easily.
Also, atheists don't have religious reasons to stay in an unhealthy marriage.

Divorce isn't always a bad thing. Bad relationships are worse. My parents stayed together for way too long, because they did not want to hurt their children. However, everyone would have been way happier if they had chosen to divorce years sooner.

slatyb · Answer

Wealth. In poor countries economic opportunity is limited, particularly for women. In first world countries a woman can support herself and can get court-ordered support for the children. This makes divorce a reasonable alternative to remaining in a bad marriage.

Guguismyname · Answer

I come from a 3rd world country. It depends on culture and society. Trust me, now divorce rate here is speedly growing as more and more people are heading towards western way of living. People donot have sex or have difficulty to have sex before marriages here due to older people and society whereas in western countries It is easy to find a partner so no much values to relationships.

Life is really tough here to think about stuff other than making money. When you get things easily you have time to think on relationships and all that shit happens to you.

fearless_strength · Answer

I think people have a bad idea on when it's okay to get married. Some people don't start learning about who they really are and are set in their ways until they are 25. People change and if you get married at 20 and you're worth a person for 4 years. You still have a lot of growing up to do. I think it be better people waited to get married until they're 25 and up

Anonymous · Answer

I think divorce is a natural part of life. Amongst the aka pygmies whom are hunther-gather people, an original people who has lived the same way like always, divorce also happens and step parenting is also natural in case of divorce or death.

But today in the west it is a whole other story. I think there a multiple explations.

1. Women are less dependent on their man. They don’t rely on him economically anymore and they don’t end up as social outcast (which women does in some countries and use to do before in the west).
2. People today has too many options. We are slow to grow up. Youth last for ever, tolo you know right?
3. We don’t know anytthing about making long term relationships last.

Pineapple_Boy · Answer

Most people in third world countries don't have unrealistic expectations of marriage compared to people from first world countries, before getting married. Furthermore, people in third world countries are use to facing adversities and challenges in life, so when there are marriage issues. They tend to weather that storm out compared to people in first world countries who just throw in the white flag.

RetroAlpha · Answer

Like others have said, marriage is obsolete. But I find that it's a lot like buying the first car you've ever driven, then driving down an automall and seeing all the much better or more suitable vehicles you *should* have tried out first. Women have the same issue.

Too many people marry because they think they should. It's unnecessary. Keep the government outta your bedroom.

Maverick872 · Answer

In the first world countries you talk about marriage has very little meaning. A lot of people, if they bother to get married, have civil ceremonies. There is no religion involved in it. Not that that has to be, but it's an added layer of witness and commitment. People are not committed to eachother, really. When it's no longer convient you get divorced. Even the divorce in many cases is convient. People do not listen to the words, "For better or worse"... its a joke to them really. There is no respect for marriage or the family. This is a big point of what's destroying society. Unfortunately these behaviors are taught to the kids worsening the situation. Marriage is not about just when it's convient.

zombiebabe · Answer

i guess its because in third world countries, people are much more worried about what ''society thinks'' so they'd rather stfu and deal with their situation plus its expensive to hire a lawyer... plus people in third world countries deal much more easier with hard situations

abc3643 · Answer

Because in Third World countries, you don't need a divorce. In the Third World, the wife has no rights. If the wife (there could be more than one) just gets out of line, you just kill her. So, wives don't get out of line with the husband's desires and peace... and fear... reign in the home.

JustAnotherSoul · Answer

Because divorces are expensive... It's a "luxury" that not many people afford... In third world u can save a lifetime for your first house... Usually is the fear of starting everything over that keeps them "together"... They would rather stay married and unhappy, than having to deal with the expenses of a divorce and the risk of loosing everything

The1Guy · Answer

1st world countries are more likely to be secular. Thus there's no preasure to stay together. Also if the country is poor families might depend on each other for survival. Whereas if the average person can afford to take care of himself on their own, another person becomes a burdain unless they can manage to create a healthy loving relationship among themselves.

Freya_Martin · Answer

As much I can gather and understand, while the levels of affection & dynamics in love initially remain nearly the same for all (more or less) but as the time passes by legal aspects creep into marriages for asserting respective marital rights. In order to enforce these, the level of knowledge of these rights happen to be more in terms of awareness in 1st world as compared to 3rd party world. In my opinion, "divorse" as such is painful & unpleasant irrespective of the nations they happen. 😇💕

Amanda269 · Answer

It depends on the marriages. Third world divorce may not be possible or comes with big cons. Maybe because of money, tabu, laws, family honor or family honor.

In the first world you don't loose anything because you have been married. You can even date and remarry whenever.

African_Queen0309 · Answer

Because they don't see they act out blindly in love and with no sense. From what I feel like is that people know that there's always a plan b but in the lower class countries people seem to think things through and actually check their actions of whether or not they'll survive.

rjroy3 · Answer

Multiple reasons. More freedom. Easier to get married and divorced financially. Some states in the US are outliers in terms of easy divorce. There's not as much weight put on marriage as their once was. The current mindset is that two people get married because they are in love. So naturally when years go by and the two people aren't in love, then why are they still married? If marriage is only for two people who love each other then divorce is the natural next step.

howlyz · Answer

I think it is because the (very traditional) institution or marriage just don't go well with, new kind of, lifestyle of people in western, capitalist, more progressive countries.. people used to find protection and safety within a family and in modern times they don't need that anymore, they also want to do more and more things which doesn't quite fit with being married

Unit1 · Answer

Because in the first world country it is possible without the same consequences as in the third world countries.

Divorcing in the first world countries can be done and you'll get back on your feet in a few years. In the third world countries you'll be alienated and potentially even die literally.

Prakbio · Answer

What i think us it is due to less dependency of women on men now girls are more self dependent. And other reason is lack of patience now A days communication is very fast but it also increases chance of disputes. Consider if i will give you A second chance to speak with A guy or husband whom you have faught lasr week you will not speak exact same words you have spoken earlier this small disputes turns into large disputes due to fast communication in patience less people

Massageman · Answer

We live in a "disposable culture" fraught with the need for instant gratification. If the first person didn't work out after a year, dump 'em - there will be some else soon enough. People think that marriage is obsolete because they buy into the false notions of the culture.

AynonOMouse · Answer

Feminism and because when women get divorced they get to steal most of the man's stuff.
Also many people married just because of physical attraction and the sex was good when they didn't even have similar morals and didn't want the same things in life.

OnitheWanderer · Answer

Simple because in Africa (third world) they value the meaning of marriage and commitment. And aren't willing to break their family for selfish reasons or stupid arguments etc. Marriage is about commitment, compromise, trust, mutual respect, partnership etc. If they can't establish these basic factors on there marriage then is destined to fail. Granted that in some African countries they sell or force little girls from families to marry a old man. My answer to that is just WRONG and inhumane.

TheFlak38 · Answer

Because women prefer to have the State as their husband that provides them with benefits while they can go out and sweep the city banging the entire male population and have the sucker ex-husband provide them with even more money that the divorce court forces him to pay.

Factshurt90 · Answer

We are easily distracted by what someone else has. Rather than cherish what we have we are a superficial society thats constantly wants more. Why work for the marriage when they can’t start fresh somewhere else?

Anonymous · Answer

Stress may seem higher or more poorly resolved in first world countries. Other countries may not have divorce as an option due to religious/cultural beliefs. Women in first world countries these days are not financially dependent on their husbands and are less likely to suffer in a subpar, unhappy relationship if they can support themselves.

NEW_YUKI · Answer

feminism

RegularTK421 · Answer

Feminism, no fault divorces, alimony and other financial incentives to divorce, secularism is more predominate, etc. Marriage is made up bullshit and its outdated. Unless you are religious, there is no real reason to get married.

Ellie-V · Answer

Probably because in third world countries they believe divorce should only be handled by men, and maybe in those places, they think of women as property. Who would want to give up their property so easily?

Lance1965 · Answer

Low morals and values and a general unwillingness to solve problems when they occur in a marriage. A lot of people, especially women would rather divorce and start over with someone new.

DaMack999 · Answer

The "I" is usually the first thing that comes out of each partner. No one in 1st world countries sees the relationship as us and we. Secondly they both have families that constantly are in their business to break them up. Where as third world help is family. Family is where you run too not run from. Husband usually gets advice from father in law. Its norm.

LifeEqualsLove · Answer

more of a pressure from society to get married in your late 20's, but I think we're still not fully matured yet at this point and still wanna explore and experience which leads to cheating and divorce. Bam!

backspinGA · Answer

People don't prepare for such a serious commitment and/or won't make the sacrafices necessary to maintain it.
"Hard times create strong men,
Strong men create good times,
Good times create weak men,
Weak men create hard times."

Hurlyburly · Answer

Because they are allowed to and do not lose this much of a social status because of a divorce. Therefore that's a good alternative not to force themselves to be with someone they don't match with (anymore) for whatever reason or who is abusive.

Hashtagsadlyf · Answer

Because first world countries are too privileged and used to getting things 'instant' that they forget to see the value of things that require work, time, and effort

Astoriana · Answer

No fault divorce typically allows women to leave their abusive husbands. Pissbabies think this is a bad thing, because clearly everyone should just tolerate abuse.

lemens · Answer

Because marriage isn’t as special anymore, it isn’t a bond that means what the vows are saying. So many people don’t take marriage seriously anymore it’s very disappointing

pooper89 · Answer

Because people in first world countries have these idealistic views of how a marriage should be and how it should be happily ever after and if you have to work for it, it isn't meant to be and everything happens for a reason, blah blah blah

Anonymous · Answer

Because most women in 3rd world countries are trapped in marriages because they were either arranged or its being dishonor on her family or something. Women are seen as goods and aren't valied as people who have choices.

WhoDatGuy · Answer

Divorce benefits women. And they have such a sense of entitlement. Why would they try to make it work when they can leave and be well off?

cassandraa · Answer

Divorce used to be really looked down upon but now it's happening so often like literally at school you'll meet so many people who've had their parents be divorced

Why is divorce so high in first world countries?

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