Causal Argument

In the past few decades, the divorce rate in this nation has reached epic heights, sparking a major question - Why? Since the 1950’s, the labor participation rate of women has increased exponentially, while the rate of men in the labor force has remained constant. This, obviously, has caused elevated stress levels inside the home as families are struggling to sacrifice family-time with work related activities. Earlier in the century, families were able to cope with a single spouse working because there was always one parent at home to take care of the children and maintain the household. In modern times, most families require both partners to hold a job in order to remain financially stable. Since both spouses are now spending more time at work, they are able to spend less time with each other. Therefore, the modern breakdown of the American marriage is largely due to the increase in dual-spouse employment.

As stated in a textbook entitled Modern Labor Economics, the labor force participation rate of women has drastically increased since the 1950’s. “Perhaps the most revolutionary change taking place in the labor market today is the tremendous increase in the proportion of women, __particularly married women__, working outside the home…over two and a half times what it was in 1950” (Ehrenberg). As decades pass, more and more families are relying on the employment of both spouses in the labor force to keep their family financially stable. Since the book shows that the biggest increase in women employment stems from women who are married, it is clear that this recent phenomenon has an impact on issues inside the home.

There is an obvious link between divorce rates and the increased employment of women. "It's great that women have been able to rise to the level of men, in terms of success and earning power," says McCurley. "But it's unfortunate that they also seem to be falling prey to the negative byproducts of that success” (Workaholism). “Dallas divorce lawyer Mike McCurley says [Workaholism] is one of the leading-and most preventable-causes of divorce in America” (Workaholism). This shows how the recent success of women in the labor force parallels the increased cases of divorce in this country. If women weren’t as involved in the labor force as they are today, the divorce rates would not be as high as they are.

Women, undoubtedly, receive more harassment and discrimination on the job then males. Obviously, this harassment and gender discrimination leads to increased stress levels. “Gender-specific work stress factors, such as sex discrimination and balancing work and family demands, may have an effect on women workers above and beyond the impact of general job stressors” (Working Women). These actions of discrimination can be directly associated with the increasing levels of stress inflicted on women. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides statistics on discrimination and harassment charges in the workplace during the last few decades. “Charges of racial discrimination and sexual harassment have increased every single decade since Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964” (Hicks). Granted, the number of lawsuits in general have increased since then, but this sobering statistic comes to the conclusion that women are infuriated by the hostility they receive. “Sexual harassment charges increased 146 percent between 1992 and 2001. They have increased 150,000 percent since 1980. Sexual discrimination charges increased 112 percent during the same period” (Hicks). By being victimized by harassment and discrimination in the labor force, women generally receive more stress than men.

Since both spouses are working, they both fall victim to the increased stress levels in the modern job market. “Stress at work is a relatively new phenomenon of modern lifestyles. The nature of work has gone through drastic changes over the last century and it is still changing at whirlwind speed. With change comes stress, inevitably” (Stress). This article goes on to identify a chronic disease called “Job Stress,” which is caused by “conditions in the workplace that negatively affect an individual's performance and/or overall well-being of his body and mind” (Stress). Some of the symptoms of Job Stress include anxiety, depression, extreme anger and frustration, and most importantly, family conflict (Stress). Since there is a direct correlation between job stress and domestic issues, having both spouses in the work force increases the likelihood of family disputes and problems. These family disputes can tear apart a family, potentially resulting in divorce.

Another problem with having both spouses working is that both the man and woman are spending less time with each other. Statistics prove that many women have work hours that differ from their loved one’s. “Four in 10 working women work evenings, nights, or weekends on a regular basis, and one-third work shifts different than their spouses or partners” (American). This fact shows that spouses are spending more and more time apart, which can cause serious problems with relationships. A study by Creighton University Center for Marriage and Family showed the most common reasons that couples opted for a divorce. “The top problematic issues the study showed were … constant bickering; __communication with spouse__, parents or in-laws, and __time spent together with spouse__” (What). The two most applicable issues are “communication with spouse” as well as “time spent together with spouse.” Since having both spouses in the labor force decreases both of these factors, it is safe to state that this increases the probability of divorce.

The colossal increase in dual-spouse employment is unquestionably a major factor in the rising divorce rates. Ever since the 1960’s, when this major trend of employment started, the divorce rate has been increasing by epic proportions. By recognizing this problem, the most favorable solution at hand is not eliminating women from the labor force. However, it should give marriage counselors, psychologists, and even partners themselves an idea of what problems married couples face. If spouses are able to work the same hours as each other and spend more time together, it would decrease the necessity of a divorce. Also, by employing themselves in less stressful careers, couples will be able to keep that pressure at the office and their relationships stress-free.

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