Do daughters cause divorce? According to census data and numerous studies conducted in the United States spanning several decades, the answer is . . . “yes.”[1] In fact, research shows that, in the United States, parents of a first-born daughter are 5% more likely to divorce than parents of a first-born son, with the risk of divorce peaking in a first-born daughter’s teenage years.[2] And, for parents of multiple daughters, the likelihood of divorce spikes up to 10% when compared to parents of multiple sons.
Although modest, these gender-related divorce disparities are not insignificant. But why are daughters—specifically, teenage daughters—matrimonially riskier than their male counterparts? Social scientists studying the link between marital strain and children’s gender point to a simple answer: parents quarrel about the upbringing of daughters more than they do sons. Indeed, any parent with teenage children knows how tumultuous the teenage years can be, but parents of teenage girls tend to report an even greater degree of strain on their familial relationships than do parents of teenage boys. The effect can be that an already strained marriage just might reach its breaking point.
Whatever the cause may be, divorce is complicated. Contact an experienced member of the Beermann LLP legal team for expertise and guidance as you and your family navigate this time of transition. Beermann LLP attorneys are well-versed in the area of matrimonial law and handle such matters routinely.
Thomas T. Field, Equity Partner (JD/MBA/CFL)
For more information on Mr. Field, please visit:
www.beermannlaw.com/team/thomas-t-field.
[1] Gordon B. Dahl, Enrico Moretti, The Demand for Sons, The Review of Economic Studies, Volume 75, Issue 4, October 2008, Pages 1085-1120
[2] Jan Kabateck, David Ribar, Daughters and Divorce, The Economic Journal, 2020
