The Causal Factors of Divorce in America essays

The Causal Factors of Divorce in America essays It is hypothesized that one causal factor of divorce among heterosexual American couples is financial problems. It is said that the number one cause of divorce is financial problems. No mater how rich or poor a person is, one constant subject of marital disagreements leading to divorce is money. In reality, of course, it is not the lack of money that causes divorce. The vast majority of couples who split cite money as the main or primary factor. A recent study found that 57 percent of divorced couples said financial disputes were a primary cause of marital discord (Larson, Newell, Topham, Nichols, 2002). Ten percent said it was the main cause of divorce. However, the issue of money doesn't always have to lead to the demise of a relationship. For married couples the financial aspect of the relationship actually has some benefits(Johnson, Wright, Ketring, 2002). There is a sense of stability and security when two people can work together and manage money cooperatively (Johnson, Wright, Ketring, 2002). Married couples also enjoy more tax benefits than singles because they are more likely to own a home than to rent. However, money can cause some serious pr oblems in a relationship. While different views about money can lead to strife, experts say many times the issue of money is only the lip of the iceberg for a mound of problems that exist in the relationship (Johnson, Wright, Ketring, 2002). One money issue for couples of today have to deals with is the women bringing home the larger paycheck (Crouter, Sayer, McHale, 2001). Now more women are working and many of them are holding down high-paying, professional jobs. Women generally are the money managers in the relationship responsible for budgeting, balancing the checkbook, etc. with little or no input from their partner(Lavee & Katz, 2002) . This was not much of a problem for couples say, a generation ago, when the man was the primary breadwinner of the household. The resentme...