Perhaps one of the more pervasive - and even antiquated - beliefs concerning marriage has to do with the role of the husband as the so-called "breadwinner." Specifically, there is a widespread belief among men that they are required to provide for their families through steady employment. Unfortunately, a new study reveals that this adherence to this traditional gender role may be contributing to a higher divorce rate.

Specifically, researchers at Ohio State University recently completed a study - published in the most current edition of the American Journal of Sociology - that examined the degree to which a person's employment status affects their decision to end their marriage.

The researchers arrived at their conclusions - outlined below - by examining data on more than 3,600 couples gathered as part of the National Survey of Families and Households from 1987 - 2002.

What did they uncover?

Women

Researchers determined that a woman's employment status (working or not working) generally has no effect on either her or her husband's decision to end their marriage.

However, researchers did determine that employed women who are unhappy with their marriages are more likely than their unemployed counterparts to seek a divorce.

Men

Researchers determined that a man's employment status had a very significant impact on his or his wife's decision to end their marriage.

Specifically, women whose husbands are unemployed are more likely to seek a divorce while unemployed men - even those who are happy in their marriages - are also more likely to end their marriage.

Why the stark difference between men and women regarding the impact of unemployment on a marriage?

"Women's employment has increased and is accepted, men's unemployment is unacceptable to many, and there is a cultural ambivalence and lack of institutional support for men taking on 'feminized' roles such as household work and emotional support."

Stay tuned for more from our Phoenix divorce blog ...

If you would like more information regarding divorce or post-divorce modifications, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced legal professional.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Related Resources:

Male unemployment increases risk of divorce (Psych Central News)