Final Data Report

The Increasing Divorce Rate Since 1970 Reflects Social Progress

The rising divorce rate in Canada since 1970 reflects the progress society has made regarding attitudes toward marriage and relationships. Prior to 1968, obtaining a divorce required special legislative approval. However, significant legal reforms paved the way for increased acceptance of divorce.

The 1968 Divorce Act established a nationwide system permitting no-fault divorce when marriages broke down irretrievably. Further revisions in 1985 emphasized protecting children's rights and parental responsibilities post-divorce. Collectively, these reforms reduced barriers to divorce by removing requirements to prove fault or misconduct, making dissolution of marriages more accessible. As societal perceptions evolved, divorce became less stigmatized.


Canadians changing views coincided with strengthened economic opportunities for women. Employment prospects grew through expansion of the service industry in the 1980s. Single mothers achieved higher education and stronger workforce attachment compared to previous generations. Statistics Canada observed that women's growing financial independence reduced spousal economic dependence, empowering women to exit unhappy marriages. As more women pursued careers and incomes independent of partners, social norms shifted to accept single-parent and blended family structures.


Legal and economic developments intersected with the proliferation of education. The 1980s were part of the baby boomer generation who were better educated and had a stronger attachment to the labor force compared to earlier cohorts. Also, as these cohorts aged, their employment and earnings tended to be higher due to higher educational levels and greater work experience. Greater access to legal education facilitated understanding of divorce procedures and rights. McGill university research linked higher education levels to more liberal attitudes supporting dissolution of unions dissatisfying personal goals. The combination of informed choice and reduced practical barriers likely contributed to divorce rate ascension.




Peaking in 1987, Canada's divorce figures stabilized thereafter, perhaps reflecting a new social balance. Women achieved presence and prosperity in the workplace alongside evolved relationship standards emphasizing personal fulfillment over tradition. While legalizing divorce encouraged ending broken vows, education and economics mutually reinforced evolving perspectives empowering individuals control over their lives direction.


These are some articles related to this question:

https://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/CIR/963-e.htm#B.%20Divorce 

https://www.mcgill.ca/msr/files/msr/v2_menard.pdf

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2006282-eng.pdf?st=MYfYJ-U9




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