Introduction
Divorce is something that nobody ever imagines themselves having to go through, but unfortunately, nobody can control what happens throughout life. Couples grow apart for many different reasons such as emotional distress, cheating, and many other contributing factors. Marriage is a goal in life for most individuals, but life happens, and marriage does not always last. Analyzing and comparing the divorce rates between different countries can provide some insight as to some factors and influences on marriage in areas that may be more successful and others where it lacks to withstand all the things life can throw at our lives. There are many variables to consider such as religious views, the population per country the rate of divorce, and others.
Divorce in the United States
In the United States, the divorce rate has steadily reduced depending on the age range that is being considered. “Divorce rates are different for different social classes. People with more income and more education have lower divorce rates” (DePaulo, 2017). The top 6 reasons for divorce in the United States are infidelity, money problems, battles with addiction, along extraordinary situations such as the death of a child, incompatibility, and irreconcilable differences. Infidelity is the number one cause of divorces in the United States, whether physical or emotional because it destroys the initial foundation that was once built between spouses. Monetary issues can apply a great deal of pressure and stress to a relationship by building tension which then causes unnecessary fights. “Another money-related issue with the rise of successful women is that they are out-earning their spouses in increasing numbers. This 'modernizing' can be tough for even the most enlightened couples — and can cause a relationship to derail as well” (Ghandi, 2017). Most relationships start a mutual connection that later grows and ends as such once couples determine that their significant other is no longer the right match for them because their views no longer align or they simply grow apart. Americans have the freedom of choice when it comes to who they will spend the rest, or just a few years, of their life with which ultimately leaves a lot of room for error in relationships. More often than not, many marriages fail and the couple has tried every possibility that they had to make it work. Although the majority religious view mainly being Christian, divorce is still a very large aspect of American society. The divorce rate is currently at 49% in America with a total population of 325.7 million.
Divorce in Germany
As of 2017, the total population of Germany is 82.79 million and the divorce rate is at 41%, which is significantly lower than what it has been in the past. Marriage has become more of a lasting arrangement as couples are staying together and working through any trial and tribulation they are put up against. It has been noted that marriages in Germany are now extending more than 15 years on average. This change has occurred throughout the European Union as couples who get married are proving that no situation can be overcome within marriage as long as both sides are willing to work through it. With the main religion being Christianity, it is in correlation to why the divorce rate could be declining due to the country’s religious standings.
Divorce in Spain
Some would assume that Spain would have a lower divorce rate since its national religion is Catholic, but that would not be the case. “The divorce rate in Spain is the highest in Europe with three out of every four Spanish marriages now ending in divorce” (Seriously Spanish). New laws being introduced, and a failing economy has greatly impacted society and contributed to the incline of the divorce rate in Spain. Divorce used to be unobtainable in this country so many couples would just separate and continue living their lives with other people while still legally being bound to their spouse. This change permitted those who were “stuck” in their marriage to conclude that part of their life and begin another bringing the divorce rate in Spain to more than 60% while containing a total population of 46.57 million.
Conclusion
These three countries and their people have evolved and grown along with their rates of divorce over the years, but some are faster than others. Spain taking the top spot of the group with the highest divorce rate seems to be understandable simply because divorce is no longer restricted for the country. From a psychological standpoint, the best advice to give would be that just because something appears to be good doesn’t guarantee that it is a good thing. Couples who have experienced trials and tribulations with each other should reflect on why they decided to be together and commit to one another initially. Rediscovering the foundation of the relationship that brought the two of them together will allow the spouses to ignite the spark between them and restore their hope and determination to move forward as a unit rather than separate. After reflecting and attempting to restore the love and hope in the relationship, if the couple mutually agrees that it would be for the better to separate then that would be when divorce would need to be discussed. Personally, couples should never call it quits until it is decided that there is nothing left, and trying to make it work would only create more tension and distance between them. Regardless of whatever a couple could be facing, if the love between them is strong then there is nothing that cannot be conquered through unity once the bond and foundation are rediscovered and reconstructed. Engaging in outside therapy for couples or individuals can also aid the couple in discovering underlying issues and applying healthy techniques to address and overcome whatever issues may arise within the sessions over time.
References:
- DePaulo, B. (2017, February 2). What Is the Divorce Rate? Retrieved November 18, 2019, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-single/201702/what-is-the-divorce-rate-really
- Ghandi, B. (2017, October 25). 6 major reasons why people divorce. Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.today.com/health/why-couples-get-divorced-t117476
- What is the Divorce Rate in Spain? (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2019, from https://seriouslyspain.com/what-is-the-divorce-rate-in-spain
- Marriages prove enduring in Germany as the divorce rate falls. (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2019, from http://www.dpa-international.com/topic/marriages-prove-enduring-germany-divorce-rate-falls-170711-99-199835
- Worldwide Divorce Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2019, from http://divorce.com/worldwide-divorce-statistics/
- Population United States Spain Germany 325.7 46.57 82.79
- Divorce Rate United States Spain Germany 0.49 0.62 0.41