‘India has historically had one of

the lowest divorce rates in the

world’
Traditionally, India has low divorce rates, with only around 1
percent of marriages ending in divorce. (source: TOI, 2023)
Acknowledging India’s respect for its culture and social ethics, one can
guess that India enjoys a low divorce rate. But it is more surprising to
know that the divorce rate in India ranks lowest among all the countries of
the world. Statistics shows that only 1 out of 100 Indian marriages end up
to a divorce which is quite low in comparison to America’s 50% of
marriages turning into breakups. The rate of divorce in India was even
lower in the previous decade, where only 7.40 marriages out of 1,000
marriages were annulled. The divorce rate in Indian villages is even lower
in comparison to urban India.
Even though India still boasts of that nearly hundred percent of the
marriages are a success, rapid urbanization and awareness of various
rights are now instigating the divorce rate to shoot upwards.
Empowerment of women has initiated the dissolution of marriage in urban
areas as financially educated women are now open to the option of ending
the relationship rather than to bear life-long abuses silently. The
campaigns on gender equality are now giving rise to ego clashes between
the husband and wife, especially if the wife too is the bread winner of the
family.

A survey states that over the past four years,

the divorce rate in Delhi, the capital city of
India has almost doubled and is projected to be
12000 in the year 2008. In 2006, Bangalore, the
IT hub of India it was recorded that 1,246 cases
of divorce were filed in the court that pertain to
the IT sector exclusively. It has been estimated
Mumbai has shot up to 4,138 in 2007 while
cities that are acknowledged for their cultural
richness and social values like Kolkata and
Chennai, are no less behind. Agro based states
like Punjab and Haryana are now seeing an
increase of 150% of divorce rate since the last
decade. Kerala, known to be the most literate
state has experienced an increase of divorce
rate by 350% in the last 10 years.
Around 20 years back India had a negligible divorce rate of around 5%.
But based on the increasing number of divorces being filed today, the
divorce rate in India is expected to rise up at a faster rate in the coming
years.

(source: advocatekhoj.com)

What is divorce?
Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. It involves
cancelling or reorganizing the legal duties and responsibilities
of marriage.
Divorce can involve:
 Deciding who will care for children
 Deciding who owns certain things
 Releasing the marriage partners from all matrimonial
obligations
 Freeing the parties to remarry

[DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 10 BOYS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]
[DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 40 GIRLS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

Social Pressure and stigma around

divorce

In India, divorce is considered taboo because of the following

reasons:
Social pressure:
There is a lot of pressure to conform to societal norms and
expectations.
Traditional values:
Marriage is considered a holy institution, and the sanctity of marriage is
deeply ingrained in Indian society.
Shame:
Divorce is often seen as a failure, bringing shame and disgrace to the
individuals involved, as well as their families.
Ostracism:
Individuals who choose to part ways often find themselves ostracized,
criticized, or shamed by their communities.

The situation is improving as the younger generation is becoming

more independent.

WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO INITIATE DIVROCE?

 [DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 10 BOYS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

[DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 40 GIRLS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

IN US IN INDIA
A 2015 study by the American Michael Rosenfeld, a professor
Sociological Association of sociology, found in his
revealed that women analysis that 31% of divorces
initiate 69 percent of all in India are filed by husbands.
divorces in the U.S. Further, Rosenfeld's study also found
the same study found that that women initiate a
college-educated women substantial majority of
initiate divorce at an even divorces in India, with the
higher rate of 90 percent. figure standing at 69%.

Reason behind the low divorce rate in India:

 [DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 10 BOYS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

[DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 40 GIRLS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

India has the lowest divorce rate in the world, with only
13 divorces per 1,000 marriages. Some reasons for this
include:
 Social pressure
There is pressure on both men
and women to stay married,
especially in honour of family
reputation.
 Patriarchal system

Varied views of users on social media platform

Women have less participation in decision making and may lack
financial support if they divorce.
 Cultural expectations
Divorce is considered taboo and surrounded by stigmas and
traditional values.
 Legal hassles
It can be difficult to get alimony and child support.
 Unregistered marriages
Divorce lawyer Alisha Peres says that many marriages in India
are not registered.

Are Alimony laws in India biased?

What is alimony?
Alimony is a court-ordered payment made to a spouse or former
spouse in a divorce or separation agreement. The purpose of
alimony is to provide financial support to the lower-earning spouse.
Current alimony law in India:
The amount of alimony depends on the financial circumstances of
the spouses. The Supreme Court of India has set a benchmark of
25% of the husband's net monthly salary as the amount that should
be granted to the wife if the alimony is paid monthly. There is no set
amount or percentage for a one-time settlement.

Alimony in India
Though alimony is a very important matter to deal with
during the litigation of a divorce case, the very
perception of right to claim the financial support for
post-divorce maintenance was not quite a familiar
concept among the Indian divorce seekers, especially
women few years back. Since the rate of divorce is
increasing in India at a rapid speed, people are
becoming aware of the various details related to
divorce laws. The era of feminist campaigns and spread
of education among women, have contributed to the
growing applicability of alimony in divorce cases.

[DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 10 BOYS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

The alimony or the spouse support is an obligation by

laws in almost all the countries of the world. It is
expected that both the spouses irrespective of gender
must bear the maintenance support during and after
marriage.
The concept of alimony came in vogue due to the
indissolubility nature of marriage. According to
marriage conventions, marriage is a sacred union. Once
the knot is tied, the duties and obligations of marriage
are to be carried out for the rest of the life even if there
is mental disparity or physical separation between the
husband and the wife. The husband is bound to take up
the responsibilities for the maintenance of his wife in
spite of sharing an estranged relationship. As time
changed, the laws and education empowered woman
and divorce came as a spontaneous solution for an
unsuccessful marriage.
 [DATA REPRESENTS RESPONSE FROM 40 GIRLS IN THE AGE RANGE OF 13 -19 YRS]

The present society treats men and women equal, as a

result the burden of alimony can now fall upon either
side of the party depending upon the financial
circumstances of the spouses. Even though in the
present age of equality, both men and women are
equal before the law, in practice men are more liable to
provide interim support to his ex- spouse during the
litigation procedure.
After divorce either of the spouse has the right to claim
alimony. Though not an absolute right, it can be
granted by the court depending upon the
circumstances and financial conditions of both the
spouses. (Source: advocatekhoj.com)

CONCLUSION:
Divorce, a legal dissolution of marriage, is often considered
taboo in Indian society. The topic is surrounded by social
stigmas, cultural expectations, and traditional values that
discourage couples from opting for separation. In this report,
we delved into the reasons why divorce is perceived as taboo in
Indian society, exploring the social, and cultural factors that
contribute to this perspective. summing-up;

Deep-rooted cultural and traditional beliefs

Indian society has a long history of valuing marriage as a sacred
institution and perceiving it as a lifelong commitment. Traditional beliefs
emphasize the importance of maintaining harmony within the family and
preserving the sanctity of the union. Divorce, therefore, challenges these
deep-rooted cultural and traditional beliefs, making it difficult for
individuals to openly consider it as an option.

Social Pressure and stigma

In Indian society, there is immense social pressure to conform to societal
norms and expectations. Divorce is often seen as a failure, bringing shame
and disgrace to the individuals involved, as well as their families. The fear
of being judged and ostracized by society makes it harder for individuals
to discuss their marital issues openly and seek support.

Family and Societal interference

Indian society places great importance on the institution of the family.
Families often play a significant role in the lives of married individuals,
exerting influence and control over their decisions. Divorce is viewed as
disruptive to the family structure and is often seen as a failure on the part
of the couple to maintain a harmonious relationship. The fear of
disappointing and causing distress to their families further dissuades
individuals from considering divorce.

Economic and financial concerns

women in India rely on their husbands for financial stability and support.
Divorce can often lead to financial insecurity, especially for women who
may face challenges in finding employment or acquiring financial
independence.

Legal complexities and lengthy proceedings

The legal process surrounding divorce in India can be complex and time-
consuming. Lengthy court proceedings, coupled with the associated legal
expenses, discourage many couples from pursuing a divorce.

Gender Roles and expectations

Gender roles and expectations in Indian society often place the burden of
maintaining a successful marriage on women. Women are expected to be
submissive, obedient, and dedicated to their families. Divorce is seen as a
defiance of these traditional gender roles, and women who seek divorce
may face severe judgment and social backlash.

A cultural emphasis on marriage as a social institution

Marriage is viewed as a social contract rather than an individual choice in
Indian society. It is often considered a means to ensure social stability,
continuation of family lineage, and preservation of cultural traditions.
 Religious and moral implications
India is a diverse country with various religious beliefs and practices.
Many religious teachings emphasize the sanctity of marriage and
discourage divorce. Individuals who adhere strongly to religious doctrines
may face internal conflict when considering divorce, fearing divine
retribution or societal condemnation.

Impact on children
Divorce is often viewed as detrimental to the well-being of children in
Indian society. The belief that a stable family structure is essential for a
child's upbringing makes divorce a contentious issue

Why divorce should not be a taboo?

Divorce, often regarded as a taboo in many societies, deserves
a fresh perspective. Rather than shunning it as a societal
stigma, it is essential to recognize divorce as a valid option for
individuals trapped in unhappy or unhealthy marriages.
The following are key to bring about acceptance and breaking
societal stigma surrounding divorce:
 Empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being
 Fostering gender equality and empowerment
 Redefining the concept of family
 Respecting individual autonomy and freedom of choice
 Building a compassionate and supportive society

Divorce:
 Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divorce
 Other websites
- https://www.therisingpanjab.com/article/article/understanding-divorce-
in-indian-society--5-key-reasons-why-it-should-not-be-regarded-as-
taboo-#:~:text=Social%20Pressure%20and%20stigma,as%20well
%20as%20their%20families
- https://www.advocatekhoj.com/library/lawareas/divorceinindia/11.php?
Title=Alimony%20in%20India%20%20India
- https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-feminist-views-on-alimony
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/women-
more-likely-than-men-to-initiate-divorce/articleshow/48641572.cms

 Decan herald
- https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/the-paradox-of-alimony-for-
men-1046188.html
- https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/alimony-
laws-in-india-are-biased-1052516.html
- https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/india-last-
divorce-good-or-bad-718449.html

 Times of India
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/global-health-focus/how-laws-
meant-to-protect-women-are-being-abused-daily-in-india/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/idiosyncrasies/
divorce-not-so-much-a-curse-45234/
 Image courtesy
- https://images.google.com/
- https://in.pinterest.com/
 Survey links (google forms)
- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
1FAIpQLSedaEf2BheaTdBOFndKT4BWyocOQeAaJE2voBFKzSzUZ1DgXA/
viewform?usp=sf_link (boys)
- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
1FAIpQLSfcq5_JqDrZFsNmMtqd9aoGspSJ5Uu48_rfr1xSl5NXAJTZMQ/
viewform?usp=sf_link (girls)