Why Women File for Divorce More than Men: 5 Theories (Pt. 2)

Posted: 13 September, 2021

Picking up from Why Women File for Divorce More than Men: 5 Theories (Pt. 1), here, we will continue presenting some of the more commonly accepted theories regarding this interesting social phenomenon. Keep in mind that the discussion herein has been generalized and that, of course, there are often a number of factors that contribute to divorce (and who ends up filing for it first).

Theory 3 – Women tend to have bigger expectations regarding marriage.

With our parents’ and/or grandparents’ generations, it was not uncommon for women to have limited expectations of marriage, such as solely looking for to be caregivers to children and their husbands.  In fact, in many cases, women were not only willing to put their own desires or needs on hold but they were expected to.

As theory explains, with the evolution of social perceptions over time, however, women generally are becoming more willing to expect more from their marriages and – when their expectations are not met – to file for divorce and put their needs first.

Theory 4 – There is more available support for fleeing an abusive spouse/marriage.

At times, domestic violence or other abuse may be the driving force behind women wanting to get out of their marriages. When this is the case, the growing support systems available to these women can make this a more viable option in modern times, some have theorized, particularly when compared to even 40 or 50 years ago when abuse and domestic violence in marriage was far more often a dark secret dealt with in private. From hotlines to shelters, these support systems for women can give them the help and resources they need to file for divorce and move onto a healthier life.

Theory 5 – There has been a growing social acceptance of divorce.

As divorce has become far less stigmatized over time, some have theorized that women have generally become far less willing to stay “stuck” in bad marriages, and that’s why they file for divorce more often than men in the U.S.

Although this may mean that, in some cases, both women and men are less willing to work on marriages when they may be reparable (as divorce may seem easier than working on a broken marriage), it may also mean that women are more willing to stand up for themselves and not put up with bad marriages when divorce is a viable option for moving on.

What do you think about these theories that have been used to try to explain why women file for divorce more than men in the U.S.? Do you agree or have a theory of your own? Sounds off in the comments below – and share your opinions with us on social media.

Contact RIGHT Lawyers at (702) 914-0400 to speak with a Las Vegas Family Law Attorney.