**More divorces mean more people leaving unhappy marriages** In the main, divorce rates have increased as both sides are more able to exercise their freedom. Rising income amongst women has accompanied higher divorce rates because women were no longer economically tethered to unhappy marriages. And there may even be an argument that women's growing economic independence allowed men to call it quits without fear of guilt for having abandoned their spouses.

**Higher divorce rates means that people are realising that the ‘death do us part’ section of the vows does not apply if you are unhappy in the relationship** - This [article](https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200121-why-promoted-women-are-more-likely-to-divorce) contends that promoted women are more likely to be divorced. Higher divorce rates means that women are able to advance in their careers without marital constraints. It also means that they are able to find someone who supports their career goals. - This (article)[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/marriage-rate-uk-latest-figures-lowest-record-ons-a9464706.html) tells us that marriage is also in decline and that people are getting married in their mid-30s as opposed to previous generations who married in their 20s. Perhaps this will indicate that the divorce rate will likely decrease because if people are getting married later/not getting married, they are less likely to divorce because they are more assured in their relationships.

**Perhaps high divorce rates will lead to less marriages, and the institution of marriage itself will become less common.** * In Norway, there is a phenomenon called [“samboerskap”](http://www.nyinorge.no/en/Familiegjenforening/New-in-Norway/Families-and-children-in-Norway-/Families-and-children-in-Norway/Cohabitation/) in which "two adults live together without having signed a written legal contract that regulates their relationship.” Cohabitants are usually regarded as complete individuals responsible for their own finances, though if they have joint children or have been living together for 5 years, they can combine their assets. * Of course, Norway is not the only country where cohabitation exists, but Norway recognizes it as a perfectly normal and common way of living without the presence of a marriage certificate (or even a romantic relationship!) * Perhaps, if divorce rates remain high or go even higher, marriage will become less desirable to the average couple, and they may choose to be cohabitants instead. This could be easier in a legal sense, and also less expensive if they do decide to end their relationship. * [This article](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/07/case-against-marriage/591973/) details why the institution of marriage is so desirable, but also becoming more and more obsolete.