The American Journal of Sociology recently published a university research study that shows divorce rates are higher for unemployed men than women. According to the researchers, there is really very little difference in the divorce rates if the woman is employed or not, but it is much higher when the man is unemployed.
When compared with an unemployed woman, a working woman is no less likely to see her husband ask for a divorce. When a man is unemployed, though, the researchers found that he is more likely to leave a marriage or to have his spouse leave.
Unemployment is one of the most harmful economic factors that a married couple can face, but it is not the only one. Another study done by a professor at Utah State University found that married couples who disagree over money issues more than once a week are 30 percent more likely to be headed to divorce court than those who argue over financial matters a couple of times over the course of a month.
Researchers say arguing over money matters can be one of the key indicators that your marriage could end in divorce. Financial disagreements are even more critical than fighting over other aspects of your marriage, such as sex or child rearing.
The advice from researchers is for men to avoid leaving because they feel ashamed about their employment status and for women to avoid trying too hard to fill their husband’s role in the home. In addition, researchers say that avoiding arguments over money-related matters and dealing with finances in a head-on manner will help build a strong and long-lasting marriage.
Source: USA TODAY, “Money Quick Tips: Job loss and marriage,” Regina Lewis, Jan. 26, 2013
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