Women More Likely Than Men to File for Divorce, Study Says

Does gender play a role in assessing an individual’s likelihood of filing for divorce in Chicago? In a recent study, researchers sought to determine whether men or women are more likely to file for divorce. What did the researchers determine? The study reported that women may be more likely than men to file for divorce, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The study was conducted with data obtained by the Early Years of Marriage (EYM) Project at the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, a project that began back in the 1980s.

While the EYM primarily gathers data from individuals within the Detroit metropolitan area, it now has data from hundreds of participants that can help researchers to answer questions about marriage and divorce in the Chicago area, as well as across the country.

In Heterosexual Marriages, Men Experience Tension but Women Take Action

While the gender stereotype in most heterosexual relationships is that men are action-oriented while women are not, the study suggests that women are more likely than men to take action when a marriage is not working. In other words, the fact that women are more likely to file for divorce does not mean that men are not experiencing tension and dissatisfaction in a marriage. Rather, both spouses can experience the anxiety and unhappiness of a dysfunctional marriage, but women are more likely to take the next step of actually filing to dissolve the union.

How did the researchers come to this conclusion? The study followed 355 couples over about 16 years, beginning with the first months of their marriages. Here is the outcome they reached: “When it comes to marriage, men are more likely to experience tension that builds over time, starting out low and increasing with the years… but women are more likely to pull the plug.”

To be clear, the researchers determined that men in heterosexual marriages might actually sense more conflict in the relationship, but still are less likely to take the first step to end the marriage legally. To be sure, women are “twice as likely to file for divorce” as men, the researchers concluded.

Shifting Levels of Marital Tension Among Couples Over Time

In the study, the couples were interviewed multiple times during their marriages, beginning somewhere within the first four to nine months of the marriage. They were then interviewed again during the second, third, and fourth years of their marriages, followed by subsequent interviews during the seventh and sixteenth years of marriage.

The data showed that “women were more likely to start out with higher levels of tension, while tension among husbands appeared to grow with time.” According to Kira Birditt, one of the authors of the study, the data suggested that divorce could be imminent based on shifting levels of tension among the couple.

For instance—and in particular—when men reported a low level of tension in the marriage yet women reported a higher level, that disconnect often indicated that the woman may be considering filing for divorce. Of all the couples involved in the study, approximately 40 percent were divorced within sixteen years after their marriages began.

Divorce Trends Among American Women

Divorce rates among American women have undergone substantial changes over the years, reflecting deeper societal transformations in gender roles, financial autonomy, and the expectations surrounding relationships. Despite an overall decline in divorce rates, a significant majority of divorces are still initiated by women, indicating a profound shift in their priorities and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Women Initiate Most Divorces

A striking aspect of contemporary divorce statistics is that women initiate nearly 69% of divorces in the United States. This compelling figure suggests that women are increasingly aware of when their marriages no longer satisfy their emotional or financial needs, prompting them to take decisive action to end unfulfilling unions. Various factors contribute to this trend, including heightened financial independence, evolving societal norms, and an intensified focus on personal happiness and self-actualization.

Financial Independence and Divorce

For many years, financial dependence trapped women in unsatisfactory marriages. However, today’s women enjoy unprecedented levels of financial independence. This newfound autonomy grants them the confidence and means to leave relationships that do not contribute positively to their lives. Women with solid careers and financial security are more likely to pursue divorce when their marriages feel stagnant or frustrating, reflecting a growing desire for personal fulfillment and equality in their partnerships.

Divorce Rates by Age

Divorce rates also vary dramatically by age group, with women in their late 40s and 50s experiencing a notable uptick in separation. This phenomenon, often referred to as “gray divorce,” highlights an increasing number of women at this stage of life who reassess their relationships and their life goals. Many in this demographic are seeking independence, personal growth, and opportunities for new experiences rather than remaining tethered to marriages that no longer resonate with their aspirations or identities.

Common Reasons for Divorce

When contemplating the end of their marriages, women often cite several significant reasons, including:

Lack of commitment – (73%)A pervasive feeling that emotional investment is waning.

Constant arguing – (55%) Ongoing conflict that drains emotional energy.

Infidelity – Breaches of trust that irreparably damage the relationship.

Financial disagreements – Disputes over money that create ongoing tension.

Emotional neglect – A sense of being overlooked or unappreciated by their partner.

These reasons underscore the crucial importance of emotional connection, communication, and mutual respect in fostering enduring relationships.

Impact of Divorce on Women

While navigating the complexities of divorce can be liberating, it is not without its challenges. Women often encounter significant financial adjustments, face societal stigma, and endure emotional stress as they transition to single life. Nonetheless, many women emerge from divorce feeling a renewed sense of happiness and fulfillment, particularly when they reclaim control over their lives and embark on new opportunities for personal growth and exploration.

Declining Remarriage Rates

Interestingly, fewer women are opting to remarry after divorce compared to their predecessors. In 2008, there were 25.2 remarriages per 1,000 previously married women, while by 2021, that number had dramatically decreased to 17.2 per 1,000. This decline indicates a significant cultural shift, where more women are consciously choosing to prioritize their independence over the prospect of entering into another marriage.

Contact Our Chicago Divorce Attorneys For Legal Assistance

Dealing with tension in a marriage can be difficult, and you may have questions about filing for divorce. Our divorce lawyers in Chicago can speak with you today. Contact Gordon & Perlut, LLC to discuss your circumstances.

Women Are More Likely Than Men to File for Divorce, Study Says