The Divorce Dilemma: Examining the Factors Behind the Rise in Marital Breakdowns"

In a world where relationships are constantly evolving, the rising tide of divorce cases is reshaping how we view love, commitment, and personal growth. Divorce cases around the world have seen a steep rise in the past years. People no longer consider divorce as a last resort, and it has turned into a cause of terror. People have started to use "divorce" as a way to ditch their partners during their turmoil. Sorrows are no longer shared; they are used as an excuse to part ways and destroy the lives of many individuals. Post-Covid, India seems to have followed the same waves, as we keep seeing the meteoric rise of these cases day by day.

Going by statistics, even if we sat down to compare the data of 2024 to its predecessor, we would find something like this:

• The USA leads the line with an increase of 7% in their divorce rate in 2024.
• Talking about the whole of Europe, post-Covid, we found an increase of 10-15% in their divorce filings.
• While India and China have seen nominal rises in their official filings, it can still be considered an increase, considering their past records.

Here is a study if you want to delve deeper into the above study

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Millennials and Gen-Z are reported to have a higher divorce rate in the first 5 years of their marriages. Even more shockingly, couples in their 40s and 50s are said to be divorcing after decades of marriage. This case of divorce comes under the "gray divorce period." Urban regions report higher divorce rates compared to rural areas, attributed to evolving lifestyles and greater financial independence. People on their way to independence seem to have forgotten the need for a life partner along this journey. While some cases are genuine, and some victims of abuse in the name of marriage have an easy way out as they should always have had, most of the time these cases are filed as an attempt to extort money, assets, or to save a failing marriage by creating the fear of separation.

New Found Reasons

‍The pandemic forced couples to spend extended time together, revealing underlying issues and incompatibilities that were previously overlooked. While some couples bonded over this period of lockdown and likewise, it turned out to be a boon for them, others found out the nastier side or at least something that bothered them to an extent where they chose to separate themselves from their chosen other-half.

Economic Strain

‍Economic uncertainty, job losses, and rising living costs have created tension in many households, contributing to marital strain. In nuclear families, the rare cases of divorce increased because the pandemic made many people lose their wages and careers, at worst. This led to infighting among couples who could not manage the financial load after an assumed job loss. This strained their relationship to the extent of divorce. Studies show that the post-Covid increase in the price of commodities has done no favor to support economically strained couples.

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Change in Gender Dynamics

‍As more women pursue careers and financial independence, traditional marital dynamics are evolving, sometimes leading to clashes in expectations. Indian families have always seen a culture where the male, in most cases, is the sole breadwinner of the family, and all the females of the house would always be expected to be homemakers. Now, the whole narrative has been flipped, thanks to the women of this country and the world fighting for their rights to education, voting, etc. Women have now started to outshine men in all subjects of subjective competency. They aim higher and reach even higher. While the gender dynamics have changed, the expectations still remain the same in many cases. Many boy parents seem to still want their daughter-in-law to be a homemaker. What is more sad is the fact that many girl parents seem to obey the same, and many women have lost their hard-fought careers to this mindset. This, years later, turns into a large case of divorce.

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Infidelity and Digital Temptations

‍The rise of dating apps and social media has made it easier to form outside connections, leading to an increase in cases of infidelity. Content around women circulates faster than lightning, and this leads to our youngsters becoming more tempted to explore. Earlier, people wanted to settle peacefully after tying the knot, but now the use of dating apps has promoted our youth to commit to no one but themselves. This can be seen in the form of modernized infidelity being seen as normal nowadays.

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Mental Health Awareness

‍There is a growing focus on individual well-being, with many choosing to leave toxic or unfulfilling marriages in pursuit of personal happiness. As mental health is promoted at a high level through all media channels, people have become more aware of their state of being. Their emotions are now constantly tracked in the back of their minds. People have stopped compromising their mental health at the cost of their marriages. If they feel unvalued or cheated, they do not hesitate to take matters into their own hands.

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Legal Changes and Easier Processes

‍Many countries now offer faster and less complicated divorce filings, reducing the emotional and financial burden on couples. This has also been used to register a number of fake cases that are made in an attempt to threaten someone. The process has two sides—while it makes many people safe at the hands of law, it also makes many others scared for their lives. It might be an easier process now, but it still remains a double-edged sword.

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Recent Case of Atul Subhash

‍In December 2024, the tragic suicide of 34-year-old Bengaluru-based software engineer Atul Subhash garnered significant public attention and sparked a nationwide debate on the misuse of dowry laws in India. Subhash left behind a detailed 24-page suicide note and an 81-minute video, alleging sustained harassment by his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. He accused them of filing false legal cases, including charges of dowry harassment and cruelty, and demanding exorbitant sums for divorce settlements and visitation rights to their four-year-old son.

Following his death, there was a public outcry, with many advocating for men's rights and calling for legal reforms to prevent the alleged misuse of protective laws. In response, Bengaluru police arrested Singhania, her mother, and her brother on charges of abetment to suicide. They were remanded in custody, and their bail applications were subsequently filed. While true justice is yet to be delivered and it might be too soon to make any conclusions about this case, one conclusive fact stands tall: the way marriages worked has drastically changed, and it might never go back.

Conclusion

As divorce rates continue to rise globally, it's essential to recognize the evolving dynamics of relationships and the factors contributing to these changes. While the end of a marriage can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and new beginnings. By fostering open communication, promoting mental well-being, and encouraging mutual respect, we can navigate this shifting landscape with empathy and understanding, paving the way for healthier relationships in the future.

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