Answer to Question #222941 in English for Eugine

Question

Why is Zambia currently experiencing high divorce rates? What are the consequences

of divorce in relation to socio – economic development in the country?

Answer 1

Young age.  Marriage at a very young age increases the likelihood of divorce, especially in the early years of marriage.

High levels of illetracy. Research shows that those with at least some college education (vs. high school or not finishing high school) have a lower chance of divorce.  

Joblessness and limited income.  Having a modest income can help couples avoid stress that may lead to divorce.   

Premarital cohabitation.  Couples who live together before marriage appear to have a higher chance of divorce if they marry, but the risk is mostly true for those who have cohabited with multiple partners. A common belief is that living together before marriage provides an opportunity to get to know each other better, but research has found those that live together before marriage have already developed some leniency towards divorce. This leniency towards divorce is what leads the couple to become high risk.

Premarital childbearing and pregnancy.  Childbearing and pregnancy prior to marriage significantly increase the likelihood of future divorce.

No religious affiliation.  Researchers have estimated those with a religious affiliation compared to those who belong to no religious group are less likely to divorce.

Parents’ divorce. Unfortunately, experiencing the divorce of your parents doubles your risk for divorce. And if your spouse also experienced their parents’ divorce than your risk for divorce triples. This does not mean you are predisposed to having your marriage end in divorce, only that you may need to be more aware of your marriage trends and work harder for a successful marriage.

Consequences in relation to socio-economic development in a country

• Marriage allows two individuals to grow their wealth through less expenses, dual income.
• Divorce divides finances creates a socioeconomic shift within one's built-up wealth.
• Economic climate, regulations both play a factor in the creation and division of wealth.
• There also is data that suggests that these couples acquire funds from their families, helping them continue to build their own financial wealth. Shared expenses also create less need to spend more, allowing saving to become easier over the course of a marriage.