Culture can unite couples into marriage as much as it can divide them into divorce. The diverse set of beliefs and values each spouse brings into the marital relationship can be the reason behind the mutual attraction. However, as the cultural discovery progresses, what they used to find interesting about each other may also turn into their worst challenges.
Some couples may have internal struggles trying to grapple with the stark differences. When left unaddressed, issues can escalate into a decision to divorce.
Thus, understanding what cultural factors contribute to contemplating divorce can help couples assess if ending their marriage is the right thing to do.
The profound impact of culture on intimate choices
While family circumstances and specific nuances vary, the following are cultural factors that can shape how couples process their disintegrating marriage:
- Gender roles: In select Asian or African countries, for example, men work to provide for the family while women must stay at home caring for the child. However, other countries have seen women with increased earning capacity or financial independence. Still, some nations expect partners to share the household expenses equally.
- Family pressures: Some parents of specific cultures disapprove of a partner who is not within their social class, forcing their child to divorce. Conversely, in Hispanic societies, for instance, divorce tend to be a sign of a failed family unit.
- Religious practices: Divorce is often illegal in Catholic nations to protect the sanctity of marriage. On the other hand, Islamic communities may permit the separation under specific conditions or procedures.
- Economic limitations: Spouses with roots in developing countries may not have the financial stability to sustain a marriage. The lack of monetary resources can lead to a strained marital bond.
- Societal expectations: Tearing a family apart is a taboo or a shameful act severely frowned upon in certain communities. However, Western countries are more accepting of divorce and encourage it instead of staying in a broken marriage.
Divorce is never easy, and deeply embedded traditions make it even more so. As divorce continues to evolve, new trends may form and influence how couples can end their long-term commitment.
The universal culture of respect
Respect transcends cultural boundaries. If a couple pursues divorce based on the discussed cultural elements, they must understand that respect must always be on the table. Doing so breeds a healthy dialogue during the process, saving time, money and energy. So, even if things did not work out for them, how they display respect shows the deepened appreciation they have developed for each other’s cultural individuality.
