A witty saying holds that every person has at least two reasons for doing what they are doing: The real one and the one that sounds good.
This could be said about the reasons for a divorce: It’s rarely just one thing that is verbalized. But what are the actual reasons, as people see them?
WCIOM.ru asked Russians about things that could push people to divorce. The list is rather long!
What could push people to divorce in Russia?
Let’s remember that it is just a public opinion poll and not the actual statistics of reasons for a divorce. However, it would bring up the perceptions of what Russians see as problems in family life they often hear about from family and friends.
In fact, in the poll participants were able to list any number of reasons that could become a catalyst for a marriage breakdown.
Interestingly enough, since 2015 poverty and inability to feed the family were #1 problem respondents pointed out to: The share of people seeing it as a problem jumped from 25% (2015) to 46% (2019).
However, in 2013 people were seeing infidelity and jealousy of one of the spouses as the most damaging (24%), with poverty coming second (21%).
In 2019 this issue has been named by about the same share of respondents (22%), but poverty is definitely something Russians are acutely feeling right now. The share of people seeing it as a problem damaging relationships in families jumped by whopping 84% as compared with the poll performed 4 years ago.
- Lack of mutual understanding comes at #3 as usual in 2019, although the acuteness of this problem jumped by 61% in the eyes of Russian respondents compared to 2015 scores.
- Difference in views on life or incompatibility of personalities named by 15% of Russians as a pressing issue.
- Alcohol and drugs are blamed for marriage breakdowns by 12% of respondents.
- Disagreements about daily issues could cause a marriage to break, 8% of participants think.
- 6% of respondents point out to the fact that many young couples do not own a home and have no own place to live, which could damage the relationship irreparably.
- Unemployment is seen as a pressing issue by 5% of participants.
The complete list of problems that people name as a potential issue that could destroy love in a couple is below.
New reasons to divorce
Interestingly enough, in 2019 there is a newcomer on the block: Poor knowledge of psychology (1% of respondents brought it up). At the same time excessive emancipation of women also made its first appearance on the list, as well as the difference in social status.
Feelings that cooled down, on the other hand, completely disappeared from the list of known reasons for a divorce in Russia! Apparently, this is no longer seen as something requiring a couple to separate. In 2013 and 2015 this issue scored 5% each time.
Is it something that reflects the social change in values of Russian women and men? Or is it just a statistical glitch?
Share this article
If economics/no job/inability to support a family is the cause of divorce then is it safe to say that one of the reasons for marrying a foreigner is for financial stability and not necessarily love?
Steve, financial stability is one of the reasons why women consider search for a partner abroad. The main reason, however, is the demographic discrepancy in Russia with only 86 men for 100 women. Love or “chemistry” is the essential ingredient in choosing a partner, but you are not only looking for a partner to jump in bed, right? The same here. Women want a partner they feel attracted to, to raise a family with, to share joys and sorrows of life, the best friend, a reliable partner, a caring father for the kids, a passionate lover. Not just one thing.
The first 4 just stupid.
1. Alone better? Mainly alone with kids?
2. They don`t know each other well (also can lack of agreements), or one or both have a poor production in certain ( 🙂 ) fields.
3 – 4. 😛 Really? When that is not fit, so the very people not fit together then should NOT get married. Or chat/ keep company at all (except when neccesary, like co-worker, boss, classmate).
While there are pretty much real challanges for any relationship/ marriage on the list with less than 5% rate. Strange.