Women Benefit Less From Marriage Than Men, More Likely to File for Divorce
A recent Psychology Today article reports that studies show the benefits of marriage go mostly to men – not women. While media and pop culture paints the picture of many women planning their marriages while still in grade school and men as commitment-phobic, studies show that real life is not quite that image.
The Data on Marriage & Divorce
Contrary to popular belief that marriage is natural for women, more benefits may go to their spouses instead. In fact, a compilation of more than 130 empirical studies published by the National Council on Family Relations revealed that the marriage benefits of increased health, wealth and happiness often associated with the marital status disproportionately go to the husbands – not the wives. The study further revealed that although married men fare better than single men, the opposite is true for married women when compared to their single counterparts.
Likewise, in stark contrast to the common perception that marriage for a woman – and the life milestones that follow – is an ultimate life fulfillment, statistics show unhappy wives initiate two-thirds of divorces. Young women aren’t the only ones leaving the relationship – a recent AARP survey showed women who experienced divorce in their 40s or later initiated the split themselves at a rate of 66 percent.
Stanford sociologist Michael J. Rosenfeld published a paper recently based on a survey that followed over 2,000 heterosexual relationships between 2009 and 2015. While the study confirmed that women initiated two-thirds of the breakups, this was true only for married couples and not non-married couples. In the same manner, married women reported lower levels of relationship satisfaction than their non-married colleagues.
Divorce Help in Orlando
If you and your spouse are facing divorce, it is important to weigh all factors prior to making a final decision because divorce affects property distribution, spousal support, and time-sharing. For this reason, it is important to consult with experienced divorce lawyers in Orlando to consider all of the options available under the law. The attorneys at the office of Steve W. Marsee, P.A. serve families throughout central Florida and have years of family law experience. Call today 407-521-7171 to schedule your initial consultation.
