Why Women Are More Likely to Initiate Divorce Than Men

Why are Women More Likely to Initiate Divorce?

Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions a person can face, whether you’re a man or a woman. However, in many marriages, women handle a disproportionate amount of the child-rearing and house management responsibilities despite the fact they also contribute earnings. Thus, they may feel like they are faced with greater financial and social issues post-divorce. 

How is she going to support herself and her children? Where is she going to live? How will she handle being a single parent?  

Given the strength of those concerns, you may be surprised at the answer to the question of who initiates divorce more often: Men or women? Research since the 1940s has demonstrated that, among heterosexual couples, women are more likely to initiate divorce than men. (Studies also report that divorced women appear to be, in general, happier after ending their marriages than are men.)

Data from a nationally representative survey, conducted by Stanford University, and consisting of more than 2,000 adults between the ages of 19 and 94 who were in a heterosexual marriage, found that women reported being more dissatisfied in their marriages due to controlling husbands and a loss of independence.

According to Michael Rosenfeld, a Stanford University sociologist, “For women, marriage itself is burdened by outdated expectations and hasn’t evolved to fit current expectations for gender equality.”[1]  

While women’s roles in our society have changed, their roles within the family have changed at a much slower rate. Many husbands still expect their wives to do the lion’s share of the housework and childcare, even if both spouses are working.

The Wife Starts Nearly 70% of the Cases

The data from the Stanford study showed that nearly 70% of women initiated divorces. What are some of the reasons that women cite for getting divorced?  There is still a lack of equality when it comes to the division of household labor and chores which makes a marriage seem less advantageous for a career-oriented woman.

Today’s woman is less likely to tolerate bad behavior such as infidelity, physical, and emotional abuse in exchange for being financially secure. Many women cite a lack of healthy communication with their spouses and the fact that their husbands are unable to process and communicate their emotions.

According to divorce statistics reported by the U.S. Census Bureau from 2010 – 2015, women divorced more than men. And, the divorce rate in Orange County, one of the highest in the county, bears this out; there are more divorced women vs divorced men living in Orange County.

Other Divorce Statistics

Some other rather sobering divorce statistics are as follows:

  • 42-45% of first marriages end in divorce
  • 60% of second marriages end in divorce
  • 73% of third marriages end in divorce

The divorce rate in Orange County is one of the highest in the nation. On average 33 people in Orange County initiate divorce proceedings every day.[2]

If you’re considering filing for divorce, you should arrange for a consultation with an experienced family law attorney that can handle any and all issues that could possibly arise from the divorce process. 

At Buncher Family Law, our attorneys handle all facets of family law proceedings that can arise as part of a divorce, from high asset divorce cases to mediation and Marvin Action cases. 

[1] Who Initiates Divorce More Often? , Psychology Today
[2] O.C. Divorce Rate one of the Highest in the Nation, The Orange County Register

Posted in California Divorce Lawyer, High Asset Divorce Attorneys.