10 Strategies to Prevent Divorce Amid Rising Divorce Rates in India

India’s traditionally conservative society has long attached a significant stigma to divorce. However, modern attitudes are shifting. As societal views become more progressive, the taboo surrounding divorce diminishes.

13th June 2024

By Ishika Kumar

In India, marriage represents a profound and sacred union of two individuals, encompassing their unique identities, personalities and cultural backgrounds. It is also a merging of families, deeply ingrained in religious, cultural and social traditions. Whether through love or arranged by families, marriage serves multiple purposes, including emotional and financial stability, a framework for raising children and a socially acceptable context for sexual relationships. 

However, recent trends indicate a noticeable increase in divorce rates nationwide. This article delves into the underlying factors contributing to this rise and explores preventive measures couples can adopt.

Factors Contributing to Rising Divorce Rates

1.    Evolving Social Norms: India’s traditionally conservative society has long attached a significant stigma to divorce. However, modern attitudes are shifting. As societal views become more progressive, the taboo surrounding divorce diminishes. Individuals now feel more empowered to leave unhappy marriages instead of enduring them due to societal pressure.

2.    Women’s Empowerment: Financial independence and encouragement to pursue their dreams and take greater control over their lives have comparatively empowered women than in earlier times. This economic independence allows women to make decisions that prioritise their well-being, making them less likely to remain in unsatisfactory or abusive marriages.

3.    Urbanisation and Modern Lifestyles: The transition from rural to urban living has introduced substantial lifestyle changes. Urban life often involves high levels of stress, longer working hours and less time for family, all of which can strain relationships. Additionally, exposure to more liberal ideas about marriage and divorce through media and peer interactions in urban settings contributes to changing perspectives.

4.    Incompatibility and Unrealistic Expectations: Modern couples frequently enter marriage with high expectations regarding emotional fulfilment and personal happiness. When these expectations are unmet, dissatisfaction can lead to marital discord. As individual differences in values and life goals may become more pronounced, it might lead to incompatibility.

5.    Greater Legal Awareness and Accessibility: Increased awareness of legal rights and reforms simplifying the divorce process have made it easier for individuals to seek divorce. Legal provisions such as mutual consent divorce have made the process less difficult and more accessible.

6.    The Decline of Joint Family System: The traditional joint family system, which provides a support network for married couples, is in decline. With nuclear families becoming more common, the lack of extended family pressure has made it even easier to get a divorce without certain interventions.

Strategies to Prevent Divorce

1.    Effective Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Couples should strive for open, honest and respectful dialogue. Regularly discussing feelings, expectations and concerns can help partners understand each other better and resolve conflicts before they escalate.

2.    Pre-Marital Counselling: Engaging in pre-marital counselling can help couples set realistic expectations and prepare for the challenges of married life. This provides an opportunity to discuss important issues such as finances, children, career goals and family responsibilities.

3.    Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Marriage requires continuous effort and adaptability. Couples should be willing to learn and grow together, adapting to each other’s changing needs and circumstances. This includes being open to compromise and finding solutions that work for both partners.

4.    Quality Time Together: Spending quality time together is crucial for maintaining a strong emotional connection. Engaging in shared activities and hobbies can help couples bond and create positive experiences that strengthen their relationship.

5.    Managing Expectations: Couples need to set realistic expectations about marriage. Understanding that no relationship is perfect and that conflicts are a natural part of any partnership can reduce feelings of disappointment and frustration. Couples should work on acceptance and compromise.

6.    Mutual Respect and Support: Respecting each other’s individuality and supporting personal growth within the marriage is vital. Encouraging each other’s aspirations and being a source of support during challenging times fosters a sense of partnership and unity.

7.    Conflict Resolution Skills: Learning how to handle conflicts constructively is essential. This includes avoiding blame, practising active listening and finding solutions together. It’s important to address issues promptly rather than letting them build up and continue.

8.    Shared Responsibilities: Equitable sharing of household and financial responsibilities can reduce stress and prevent feelings of resentment. Clear division of duties ensures that both partners contribute fairly to the marriage.

9.    Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Developing emotional intelligence helps in understanding and managing one’s emotions and empathising with the partner’s feelings. This leads to a deeper emotional connection and better handling of conflicts.

10.  Professional Counselling and Therapy: Professional counselling can provide couples with tools to manage and overcome their issues. Therapy offers a safe space to address deeper problems and develop healthier communication patterns. Seeking help early can prevent petty issues from escalating into major conflicts.

Marriage is a fundamental institution in society which faces new challenges in the modern era, especially in India. The rising divorce rates reflect significant societal changes. However, by focusing on effective communication, spending quality time together, managing expectations and honing conflict resolution skills, couples can build stronger, more resilient marriages. 

Preventing divorce is not about avoiding conflict but about navigating the tumultuous waters together with understanding and commitment. By addressing these factors proactively, couples can work towards sustaining fulfilling and lasting marital relationships.

However, if there is no other option but to find solace in the recourse of divorce, one can always find legal remedies and solutions which can get you out of your marriage. There are several grounds for divorce to support a spouse from a toxic marriage or a marriage which isn’t working out as every person has the right to legal remedies according to the Constitution of India.