While it is no surprise that divorce rates have risen since the first wave of the LSOG survey was released in 1971, the factors that contribute to taking that difficult step toward ending a marital relationship have changed with the times. Recent sociology graduate Anne Marenco has taken a look at this issue by examining the surveys from the second and third generation of respondents over the entire 30-year study.
     By looking at personal resources, beliefs and life course decisions, Marenco has discovered common factors that trigger a divorce when a couple’s marital satisfaction decreases. Marenco found that a higher education level often increases the chance of divorce between a couple not happy with their relationship. Such factors as the increased number of women with higher education levels, more women entering the work force and wages that are nearly equal between men and women, play an important role. More women are able to support themselves and their children in the event of a divorce, and choose to do so rather than remain in an unsatisfying marriage.
     What is even more surprising is the discovery that those who are more religious and attend church regularly are more likely to divorce when they are less satisfied with their marriage. It is possible that a belief in a greater being, as well as a supportive church network, provide a security and an added insurance when faced with an unhappy relationship.
     Another force increasing the likelihood of divorce occurs when a couple has conflicting personal beliefs. Marenco found that individuals who believe in a more traditional marriage relationship are more likely to divorce when their partner beliefs in a more contemporary marriage. The difference in opinions could lead to the couple becoming dissatisfied with their own marriage.
     Marenco also found that the more children a couple has, the higher the likelihood of divorce becomes. With the addition of children, what began as a two-way relationship becomes a six-way relationship when only two children are added. The more children included, the more complicated a couple’s life becomes. Marenco has concluded that the decision to have children, and how many to have, affects many facets of a family’s life.
     Marenco has been married for 20 years and has always been interested in spousal relationships. She has a 17-year-old daughter and an 12-year-old son. Marenco graduated this summer after spending four years on our project. She is now teaching part-time at California State University at Northridge, College of the Canyons and Pierce College.

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