India’s Low Divorce Rate – A Boon or a Bane?

India, a country known for its cultural diversity and rich traditions, has long held the distinction of having the lowest divorce rates in the world, with the most recent data showing only 1% of Indian marriages end up in divorce. In contrast, Western or developed societies traditionally have higher divorce rates, with the US at 45%, the UK at 41% and Australia at 43%, according to Statistics Feed. However, rather than being a cause for pride, India’s statistics reflect contrasting underlying reasons for the low divorce rate that are often rooted in societal norms.

Low Divorce Rates – A Bane for the Country

In traditional Indian society, marriage is considered sacred, and the institution is highly revered. Women are expected to uphold the sanctity of marriage, even at the cost of their own happiness and well-being. Divorce is viewed as a failure, and the onus is often placed on women to maintain the harmony of the relationship, regardless of the circumstances. Consequently, many women find themselves trapped in toxic and abusive marriages, sacrificing their happiness and mental health due to societal pressure.

The experiences of prominent individuals in India shed light on the challenges faced by divorced women in Indian society. These women, who have chosen to divorce their partners, have faced public scrutiny, judgment, and character assassination, revealing the harsh realities that divorced women in India often encounter.

Karishma Kapur found herself at the center of a highly publicized divorce. Accusations and negative portrayals by her former husband and his family tarnished her public image and subjected her to intense scrutiny.

Amrita Singh faced career setbacks following her divorce from the nawab of Pataudi. Despite her talent and success in the film industry, her personal life became the focus of attention and affected her professional opportunities, while Saif Ali Khan’s career continued to rise.

And most recently, in times of millennials and Gen Z, who are assumed to be more open-minded and liberal regarding personal happiness, Kusha Kapila, a fashion editor and social media personality, experienced the harsh reality of societal judgment following her divorce announcement. She was met with a barrage of hate and condemnation for “leaving” her husband after finding success. The hate got so harsh that her husband had to step in publicly as the masses continued to paint her as the “villain,” clearing up that the decision was mutual.

These experiences of public backlash (criticism, defamation, character assassination and professional repercussions) highlight the deeply ingrained biases and societal expectations from Indian women and the discrepancy between India’s low divorce rate and women’s experiences in toxic marriages. The reality for an average Indian woman is far worse due to the standard financial dependency and sacrifices women make throughout their marriages in traditional Indian households. The societal pressure to maintain intact marriages often forces women to endure unhappiness and abuse silently.

Low Divorce Rates – A Boon for the Country

However, this fear of divorce also leads to long-lasting marriages in countries with traditional values, which is oftentimes a blessing. While Western countries remain more neutral to the idea of divorces, this neutrality also significantly contributes to the increasing number of divorces, often over trivial matters. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that the most common reasons for divorce were communication problems, lack of commitment, and unrealistic expectations. This growing trend reflects a culture where divorces are seen as a solution to even minor issues within a marriage.

In contrast, in countries like India, where arranged marriages are prevalent, the cultural belief in the sanctity of marriage encourages individuals to work through difficulties and find solutions rather than resorting to divorce. This commitment to making the relationship work builds a sense of resilience and adaptability, allowing couples to grow together over time. As a result, marriages in such societies often reflect a higher degree of stability and endurance.

Low Divorce Rates – An Eye-Opener for India’s Youth

All things said and done; divorce should be considered a viable option for individuals trapped in abusive or unhappy marriages. It is crucial to debunk the stigma surrounding divorce in India and support those seeking liberation from toxic relationships instead of blaming and vilifying them. But simultaneously, it is also essential to draw a line between issues that can make or break a relationship because undervaluing the concept of marriage and easy accessibility of divorces also runs the risk of divorces being sought for trivial reasons. All such changes require a shift in societal attitudes, education, value systems and awareness. We can only create a society that values individual happiness, spousal happiness and mental well-being by promoting open dialogue, establishing stronger values and challenging regressive beliefs.