Would Divorce Be More Common in India if It Wasn't Considered a Taboo?

To be honest, I believe that if divorce weren't considered a taboo, and if our society didn't punish those seeking divorce, it would be much more common here in India than in Western countries. Imagine a society where children are taught from a young age that they shouldn't tolerate abusive or unhealthy relationships, and where every one out of five marriages would end in divorce. This is a perspective I firmly hold, and I hope this insight is useful to you.

India's Marriage Culture and Divorce Rates

India, with its second-largest population, has one of the lowest divorce rates in the world, standing at approximately 1%. This low rate can be attributed to several factors, including the prevalence of cultural taboos surrounding divorce. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why divorce is less common in India and explore what changes might occur if these taboos were lifted.

Reasons for the Low Divorce Rate in India

1. Social Norms and Public Perception: One of the most significant reasons for the low divorce rate is the societal emphasis on what others will think. In India, the phrase 'log kya kahenge' (What will people say?) is often a determining factor. People hesitate to pursue divorce because they fear the stigma and negative judgments that come with it. This fear of social ostracization can deter individuals from seeking the legal end to an unhappy marriage.

2. Adjustment and Patience: Another key reason is the ingrained belief that couples should 'adjust like everyone does' (adjust Karo jaise sab karte hain). Many Indian families believe that problems in a relationship can be resolved through patience and effort, rather than facing the harsh reality that some relationships may be beyond repair.

3. Letting Go of Small Issues: Culturally, Indians are often taught to let go of minor issues to prevent them from escalating into larger problems. This mindset can help maintain the peace in a relationship, but it can also result in the suppression of genuine issues, leading to an unhealthy relationship in the long run.

4. Family Considerations: Financial well-being and familial ties play a crucial role in the decision to divorce. The pressure to keep the family unit intact, especially in the case of a daughter, can be immense. If a daughter's parent experiences a divorce, it can bring up questions about the quality of upbringing and affect the siblings' lives as well.

5. Children's Happiness: Many couples choose to remain together for the sake of their children's emotional and psychological well-being. This is a common occurrence and illustrates the prioritization of family over individual desires for some couples.

6. Financial and Legal Hurdles