Divorce rate in India

MARITAL STATUS BY AGE AND SEX

Total Separated Divorced
Gender Persons Males Females Persons Males Females Persons Males Females
All ages 1210854977 623270258 587584719 3535202 1162448 2372754 1362316 452743 909573
0-9 239734904 124932540 114802364 0 0 0 0 0 0
10-14 132709212 69418835 63290377 63478 31232 32246 12105 5609 6496
15-19 120526449 63982396 56544053 101818 37223 64595 31500 8317 23183
20-24 111424222 57584693 53839529 276865 81864 195001 117140 30415 86725
25-29 101413965 51344208 50069757 422608 128577 294031 187664 58636 129028
30-34 88594951 44660674 43934277 476673 148419 328254 211566 72622 138944
35-39 85140684 42919381 42221303 517039 163218 353821 214104 75603 138501
40-44 72438112 37545386 34892726 461425 147730 313695 178917 62370 116547
45-49 62318327 32138114 30180213 369587 117276 252311 132871 45521 87350
50-54 49069254 25843266 23225988 270358 88259 182099 94080 31719 62361
55-59 39146055 19456012 19690043 177465 59575 117890 58654 19811 38843
60-64 37663707 18701749 18961958 163086 56848 106238 49221 16265 32956
65-69 26454983 12944326 13510657 99556 38480 61076 29262 9807 19455
70-74 19208842 9651499 9557343 64384 28880 35504 19792 7005 12787
75-79 9232503 4490603 4741900 28308 14073 14235 8737 3073 5664
80+ 11289005 5283695 6005310 31682 16269 15413 11717 3983 7734
Age not stated 4489802 2372881 2116921 10870 4525 6345 4986 1987 2999
Less than 18 444153330 232468505 211684825 109693 50723 58970 23849 9580 14269
Less than 21 521853300 273225936 248627364 221182 84319 136863 65751 18864 46887

Unraveling the Complexities of Divorce Rates in India: A Statistical Overview

Divorce, once considered a taboo topic in Indian society, has seen a perceptible shift over the years. With societal norms evolving, economic independence rising, and legal reforms taking shape, the divorce rate in India has been gradually on the rise. This article delves into the intricacies of the divorce rate in India, utilizing available statistics to shed light on the factors contributing to this trend.

Trends in Divorce Rates

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015-16, the divorce rate in India was reported to be around 1%. While this figure might appear low compared to some Western countries, it still reflects a significant increase from previous decades. Data from the NFHS-3 in 2005-06 indicated a divorce rate of approximately 0.6%.

Regional Variations

India’s vast cultural and social diversity is reflected in the regional variations in divorce rates. Southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have relatively higher divorce rates compared to states in the north. Factors like education, urbanization, and economic development tend to influence divorce rates in these regions.

Urbanization and Economic Independence

The urban landscape has witnessed a surge in divorce rates due to changing lifestyles, increased opportunities for women, and a shift in family dynamics. As urban areas become more educated and financially empowered, individuals are more likely to prioritize personal happiness and well-being over traditional societal expectations.

Education’s Role

Education plays a pivotal role in the changing dynamics of Indian marriages. As women become more educated and financially independent, they are less likely to remain in unhappy or abusive marriages. According to NFHS-4, the divorce rate among educated women is higher compared to their less-educated counterparts. This highlights the correlation between education and the willingness to break free from incompatible unions.

Legal Reforms

The introduction of more progressive divorce laws, such as the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, has also contributed to the increase in divorce rates. These legal reforms have made it easier for couples to seek divorce on grounds of cruelty, desertion, or irreconcilable differences. The judicial system’s acknowledgment of the importance of personal happiness has encouraged individuals to pursue legal separation when necessary.

Challenges and Stigma

Despite the evolving attitudes towards divorce, challenges remain. Social stigma and family pressure continue to discourage many couples from seeking divorce, leading to instances of underreporting. Additionally, the emotional and financial toll of divorce can deter some individuals from pursuing legal separation, particularly in cases where they lack sufficient support systems.

Conclusion

The divorce rate in India, while still relatively lower than in many Western countries, is on a gradual upward trajectory. This shift reflects a broader transformation in societal norms, economic dynamics, and legal reforms. Education, urbanization, economic independence, and changing perceptions of personal happiness are among the key factors influencing this trend. As India continues to navigate its path toward modernity, it is essential to recognize the complexities surrounding divorce and offer support to those facing such decisions.

Divorced (Graph)

Separated (Graph)