The Growing Divorce Trend in India: What’s Changing in Relationships?

Indian society upholds the sanctity of marriage, with values like commitment, sacrifice, and respect towards each other.
Whilst preserving this institution is important, the well-being and health of those who are in a marriage also much be preserved. We consider health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally, which going through a marriage that damages one’s wellbeing will have significant damage not just to the adults but any subsequent children. So while marriage needs to be sustained and carried on, not at the expense of the health and wellbeing of the person.


Traditionally, the divorce rate in India stood at 1% — extremely low by global standards. That's often credited to strong cultural values and peer pressure and the stigma around divorce. Traditionally marriage was seen in most cultures as a lifelong institution where taught to overlook differences and carry on regardless of niggling grievances. In India, the joint family system also had the advantage of a big supporter network that neutralised marital differences.


Since 2021, divorce rates have skyrocketed, particularly among urban dwellers nationwide. It’s indicative of changing attitudes in society toward marriage and divorce. It is driven by a range of disparate reasons:

Conventional norms regarding marriage have lowered so much that many are aware that happiness and compatibility are the only elements leading to a successful marriage. The relatively low social stigma against divorce has allowed life partners to refrain from living together when the union is no longer mutually fulfilling.
Current employment and education has enhanced foreign economic independence. With economic independence, women can make decisions in their own interests, such as leaving a bad or abusive marriage.
Consequently, urbanization has come up with its additional problems like burden stress, fixed hours of work, and little to no spending time with loved ones which can tend to hamper the marriage relations. Moreover, liberal thoughts and other cultural exposure in cities play a huge role in modifying outlook towards divorce and marriage.
The modern couple expects personal and emotional fulfillment. These unmet needs sometimes lead to marital disharmony and subsequently to divorce.
Increased legal consciousness of rights and ease of access in divorce procedure has made it easier than ever to obtain a retraction of the marriage. Mutual consent divorce and other legal changes have made separation simpler, and many individuals choose legal separation when appropriate.


Divorce has not been steady across the country. Urbanized parts with cases, especially the metros Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, have had a steeper spike than the rural sector. This disparity is based on economic independence, changed values, and rising consciousness towards individualistic rights. Rural sectors are bound to traditional values and therefore account for less divorce.
And the divorces are taking place predominantly in the 20 to 35 age cohort. Generation is well versed in prevailing values therefore they will question convention wisdom regarding married. Also, women are more likely to file for divorce -- a sign of growing financial independence and desire for personal fulfillment.



Now, the increasing number of divorces in our country has been found to indicate the social values and changing aspirations of the people of India.
Others, however, believe it is a threat, arguing it breaks apart the family unit, which is a fundamental component in child development. Happiness of the individual must find its place alongside the institution of marriage. By establishing effective lines of open communication, respect and honesty, Healthy relations can be achieved in marriages. Conclusion
Previously, Indian marriage was a pious and longstanding institution. But the increasing divorce rates are a testament to changed social beliefs, empowerment, and changed expectations between people. Yes, the dignity of marriage must be preserved but it should not come at the risk of people's mental and physical health. That responsiveness and sensitivity to change is what translates into more satisfying and balanced marriage experiences in the new Indian society.