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Two Papers on the Recent Rise in U.S. Divorce Rate

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  • Robert T. Michael

Abstract

This paper seeks to explain the recent rise in U.S. divorce rates using an economic framework. Annual time series data from1920 to 1974 are used in the empirical analysis. The estimated equation tracks the actual series quite well. It attributes the recent increase in divorce to improved contraceptive technology, reduced average duration of marriage (resulting from the age distribution of the population) and income growth. Projections suggest a flattening of the divorce rate series in the near future.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert T. Michael, 1977. "Two Papers on the Recent Rise in U.S. Divorce Rate," NBER Working Papers 0202, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:0202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bonus, Holger, 1973. "Quasi-Engel Curves, Diffusion, and the Ownership of Major Consumer Durables," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 81(3), pages 655-677, May-June.
    2. Jacob Mincer & Solomon Polachek, 1974. "Family Investments in Human Capital: Earnings of Women," NBER Chapters, in: Marriage, Family, Human Capital, and Fertility, pages 76-110, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Andrew Cherlin, 1977. "The effect of children on marital dissolution," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 14(3), pages 265-272, August.
    4. Gary S. Becker, 1974. "A Theory of Marriage," NBER Chapters, in: Economics of the Family: Marriage, Children, and Human Capital, pages 299-351, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Robert T. Michael & Robert J. Willis, 1976. "Contraception and Fertility: Household Production under Uncertainty," NBER Chapters, in: Household Production and Consumption, pages 25-98, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    6. Heckman, James J & Willis, Robert J, 1977. "A Beta-logistic Model for the Analysis of Sequential Labor Force Participation by Married Women," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 85(1), pages 27-58, February.
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