DIVORCE Around the World

A recent study found that the divorce rate in the U.S. is dropping.  Experts believe that decreasing rates are probably a result of the failing economy more than anything else.  Many couples simply can’t afford to divorce today. They sit back and hope for an economic recovery so the time will be right to end their marriages.  Is this crazy or what?  I think divorce is too easy these days.  If a couple isn’t seeing eye-to-eye, they may opt for divorce since it’s so much more socially acceptable today.  There are even websites where a person can get an “online” divorce without even visiting a lawyer!  Could it be any easier?

This makes me sad on so many different levels.  Mostly I’m sad for the kids.  Divorce is tough on kids and there’s tons of research out there that supports this statement.  That said, tension and anger is also tough on kids.  In fact, chronic anger has been linked to cancer, heart disease, strokes, colds, influenza, depression, and substance abuse (in both the person experiencing the anger AND those around him or her).  So what’s a couple to do?  I thought it might be interesting to see how couples in other parts of the world handle divorce.

Divorce is very different around the world.  The above is of the BIERTAN HOUSE, which stands in a small town in central Romania (population=1,600). The one-room house (right across the street from the town’s church) contains one single bed and one set of silverware.  Couples who are considering divorce must spend two weeks in the Biertan house.  Residents say it works since there has been only one divorce in over 400 years.  What’s going on?  There are probably several factors but communication is a key to any relationship.  Being forced to share such a small space will force a couple to talk.  What else can they possibly do?

In my research I have come across other interesting tidbits  about divorce in other cultures.  Did you know that:

-The lowest divorce rates in the world are in Ireland, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka.

-Divorce is illegal in the Philippines, Malta, and Vatican City.

-60% of divorces in France are mutually initiated (in the U.S. it is typically the women who intiate divorce).

-In Ireland divorce is possible only if a couple has been separated for 4 of 5 of the preceding years of their relationship.

Stay tuned for more cross-cultural exploration of sex and relationships.  Happy Holidays to all!