How have marriage and divorce patterns changed in recent decades?

• A. Marriage has become mandatory; divorce rates have declined.
• B. Marriage has become more optional; divorce rates have risen due to social acceptance, legal changes, and women's economic independence.
• C. Marriage rates have stayed constant; divorce has vanished.
• D. Cohabitation replaces marriage entirely.

Answer: (B)

Marriage has become more optional and divorce more common in recent decades. This happens because social norms have shifted to view marriage as one option among others rather than the only acceptable path, so people may delay or choose not to marry. At the same time, legal changes—especially no-fault divorce—make ending a marriage easier and less stigmatized. Additionally, women's economic independence, with greater access to education and paid work, reduces the financial penalties of divorce and makes separation more feasible. Together, these factors explain why divorce rates have risen and why marriage is no longer seen as obligatory, while cohabitation has increased as an alternative, though it has not entirely replaced marriage.