Structural Determinants of the Divorce Rate: A Cross-Societal Analysis

Abstract

Data for a sample of 66 countries are analyzed to investigate the societal-level correlates of the divorce rate. On the basis of theoretical precedence four major factors are considered as predictors of divorce rates at the societal level: socioeconomic development the female labor participation rate the sex ratio and dominant religion. Regression analyses reveal that all factors except religion have a significant effect on the crude divorce rate....Theoretical interpretations [of the findings] are discussed. (EXCERPT)