Friday, July 17, 2009

Interpreting UK marriage and divorce statistics

The Economist weighs in on trends in English marriage and divorce, pointing out that divorce rates have been declining recently. Based on their graphic, I would say, "slightly declining or treading water." Although marriage rates have declined, then, their point is that maybe the unions that are formed are actually stronger on average due to a selection effect.

Fair enough. And I think it might be true that never getting married rather than getting married and then divorced could be less painful and therefore preferable. But I'm not sure that's really clear.