Is India becoming Divorce-Rich?

Divorce has become one of the most commonly used words in India. All over the country, we can find a high tide of divorce. The numerical figures are mounting up obnoxiously. This year there has been an increase of 70% in divorce cases. The couples who separate are mostly of the 25-30 age group and they file their case within the first 2-3 years of marriage.

If you think that divorce is prevalent only in the metros, you are wrong.

There is no such exception. It is there in the semi-urban regions as much in the metros.

In the Indian scenario

We are in the peak of the 21st century and India has achieved great acclaim in the fields of science, technology and medicine. We had approved of western links to our culture long back and it’s no surprise to find ‘divorce’ as a household term.

In spite of all the crowing glory, we aren’t free from family crisis. Isn’t this a paradox in a traditional country like India? You would be even more surprised to find that the highly educated pairs are those who wish to separate faster.

Reasons for increase in Divorces

There are several reasons for the divorce-hike in India.

• Financial freedom - India is the land of education and advancement. Youngsters of the modern India seek professional education that qualifies them to have highly paid jobs. They become capable of themselves at a very young age i.e., at 20 or 21. They would have been on a job for years, by the time they marry. This financial freedom they enjoy can induce them to free themselves from unwanted relationships.
• Increased acceptance by family- Our families have become broader in their concepts of matrimony to an extent. A lot of families approve of their divorced sons and daughters and have gathered a feeling that they could lead life, (sometimes more peacefully) without a spouse.
• Life in metro cities- The life in a metro city ‘teaches’ people to be less obligated to others. No one is ‘more than enough interested’ in others’ affairs. This paves way to do things solely upon one’s own discretion alone.
• Deterioration of moral values- It’s evident from now that there has been a pitfall of values. We no longer cling to the traditional values which once were the corner stones of family life. This moral degradation is a profound reason for increased divorce rates in India.
• Stressful modern life- Everything in the modern view is deep rooted in competition. We are strenuously preparing for an ever-winning environment and this requires employees to work 24/7. They are put on pressure by the company and they avenge this frustration and tension on their partner when they get home. Such relationships are not likely to last long.
• Transition of gender roles and professional rivalry- In the past, women were ‘supposed’ to rear family while men worked. But modern advancements have brought about striking changes in the roles of women in the society. In a family where both the husband and wife go for work, a lot of problems are likely to arise related to the sharing of household affairs. This could also ignite professional rivalry if the woman earns more.

Whatever may be the reason, it’s a fact that we need to modify our attitudes for the higher good. Moreover, respect for each other is mandatory to have a better outlook of matrimony.

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