According to recently released survey results, many Americans’ views on relationships, marriage, and divorce have changed over the past decade. From 2011 through 2013 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted in-person interviews of 10,000 Americans aged fifteen to forty-four about their views on marriage and family-related topics.
The CDC survey, which is conducted every decade, found that many more Americans, aged fifteen to forty-four, now support same-sex marriage, couples living together before marriage, and single women having children than was the case a decade ago. However, just as the survey showed growing acceptance in certain areas, it also marked a significant decrease in the number of those who believe that divorce is an acceptable option for those with struggling marriages. Specifically, the survey found the following:
75% of women and 69% of men believe it is okay for single women to raise a child;
75% believe it is okay for non-married couples to live together before they’re married;
75% of women and 68% of mean believe that same-sex couples should be able to adopt children;
60% of women and 49% of men are okay with same-sex marriages; and
38% of women and 39% of men believe that divorce is acceptable, versus 47% of women and 44% of men just a decade ago.
The survey’s findings on acceptance of divorce are not altogether surprising given that research shows that the divorce rate has declined with younger generations despite the common misbelief that half of all marriages end in divorce. According to a Charlotte Observer article, Wendy Manning of Bowling Green State University, who researches families and marriage, stated that “[m]arriage is becoming so selective that maybe people think if you achieve this status, you don’t want to end it.” As the article elaborated, “[m]arriage rates are down and people are older when they first get married. So those who do marry are more likely to be in it to win it.”
If you are going through a Divorce and have questions about your rights, please call us at 980-939-0233 today to schedule a consultation with a Charlotte Family Law Attorney.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article66606577.html