When a marriage is in trouble, there are many catalysts that can lead to divorce. A study led by Liana Sayer at Ohio State University confirmed one such catalyst is unemployment. Specifically, the study found that male unemployment increases the risk of either the husband or the wife ending the marriage.
While the study does not speculate on all the possible reasons for this outcome, it does suggest that male non-employment violates cultural gender norms. As old-fashioned as this theory may sound, it is still socially expected that the husband will be the main source of financial support for the family. If the husband is not employed, the husband or the wife may not feel the same social support as a more traditional arrangement. Other possible reasons unemployment can lead to divorce include:
- Unemployment can cause depression. In fact, research suggests that being unemployed is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. There is often a sense of personal failure, hopelessness, and loss of identity. Depression can lead to a cascade of other problems and marital collapse can be one of them.
- Unemployment can mean more time together. Similar to retirement, unemployment can create a situation where the husband is home more. If the wife is a stay-at-home mom or works from home, the couple’s time together can increase considerably. Particularly in an already strained situation, added time together can negatively impact the marriage, especially if that hasn’t been the norm for the couple in the past.
- Financial problems lead to marital strain. Unless the couple has considerable savings, the loss of a job will most likely strain the budget. Money problems are one of the most common factors that lead to divorce.
If you are in a marriage that no longer brings you happiness, for any reason, it might be time to consult with an experienced divorce attorney. Contact a qualified Illinois divorce attorney today.
