Conservative Study Estimates Cost of Divorce
Apr 15, 2008 by Jeff Robinson
Claims "Marriage Breakdown" Costs Utahns $276 Million a Year
(KCPW News) A national study by four conservative groups estimates that divorce and unmarried parenting cost the nation at least $112 billion each year in social aid given to single-parent households. Today, conservative Utah think-tank The Sutherland Institute used the study as a launching point for its new Center for Family and Society. Director Bill Duncan says Utah practically subsidizes divorce."This information may help people to understand how, not only for their own good and for the good of their children, there could be a benefit from thinking twice before getting divorced, assuming there's not an abusive situation, but that it benefits society generally when we have strong families and we keep them strong," said Duncan.
Duncan says the center would support legislation to increase the waiting period for divorces beyond 90 days and get rid of the no-fault divorce policy.
Institute President Paul Mero says the goal of the new center is to promote a "culture of happiness."
"Maybe other people know people who thrive in family dysfunction and family breakdown, and enjoy seeing their children not progress academically, or enjoy seeing scenes of domestic violence in the household," said Mero. "Perhaps they're out there, but for us here, we prefer to see true happiness."
The study estimated Utahns would save $276 million a year if there were no divorces or unmarried parenting. It arrived at that conclusion by estimating that 60 percent of poor households raised by single women would not have to be on welfare programs if they were married.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Laura Campbell said:
Hi,I am the Founder of the D spot, LLC and a Divorce and Life Transition Coach.
I help women regroup, renew and reinvent themselves before, during and after divorce.
The statistics just released are staggering and in my opinion are caused by a number of factors, including:
1. Young adults, and especially our young women, are not ready for the long term commitment and issues that are a part of any marriage. They are not educated on what marriage should look like, and what it means to be in a relationship with someone over 30, 40, 50 years. Education for our young adults is not only necessary, but imperative.
2. Personal Development and happiness, as is mentionned in this article, is not like buying a shirt in the store. Ongoing education for individuals to teach them the skills, tools and resources for creating fulfilling lives with and without their spouse/partner is something that we, societally, do not emphasize.
3. Divorce Support. There are lawyers, accountants and therapists that are the primary resources for our society to call upon for divorce guidance, when what individuals need is a support system and an unbiased, outside consultant to help them move forward in a positive, empowering and sensitive way so that their childre and families do not suffer the consequences of stress, anxiety and overwhelm.
4. Marriage, as it has been defined over time, has not changed at all. It is probably the only institution in our country that has not evolved even as technology, education, economics, communication and all else has evolved and changed given advances in all industries.
These factors, together, are wreaking havoc on families, values, individuals and progress. If we dealt with these issues, perhaps we might affect the divorces statistics.
Laura CampbellDivorce and Life Transition Coach
2. Elisabeth Carroll said:
I am appalled, but not surprised, by The Sutherland Institute's skewed findings and ludicrous proposals.
While I agree that "it benefits society generally when we have strong families and we keep them strong", forcing incompatible couples to stay married is not the answer.
I am divorced and happier and more prosperous than I ever was while married to a verbally-abusive alcoholic husband who refused to find steady work.
Does The Suthlerland Institute propose programs (that would also cost the state lots of money) which would counsel couples who are planning to be or who are already married or just to make it harder to get divorced?
Elisabeth Carroll - 54, Anglo-Slovak American, Utah Registered Voter