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Title: Recession and Divorce in the United States: Economic Conditions and Divorce Rates, 2007-2009

Citation Type: Conference Paper

Publication Year: 2011

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Abstract: The economic recession that began in 2007 prompted speculation over its effects on divorce rates in the U.S. Opposing hypotheses suggest either the recession increases divorce through a stress mechanism; or it reduces divorce through increasing its economic costs or strengthening family bonds. I test the relationship between unemployment, home prices and home foreclosures, at the state level, and divorce rates in 2008 and 2009 using the American Community Survey. Results show a decline in divorce rates from 2008 to 2009, but little evidence that higher or rising unemployment or foreclosure rates affected that decline. However, declines in home price were significantly associated with lower divorce rates (except in outlier states). I interpret this as most consistent with the economic cost perspective.

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Authors: Cohen, Philip N.

Conference Name: National Center for Family & Marriage Research

Publisher Location: Bethesda, MD

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Family and Marriage

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