The effects of remarriage on children, singleness, and socioeconomic status are discussed in this article. If you have ever contemplated remarriage, it can be an emotional and even spiritual decision. Before taking the plunge, consider the following: What are the reasons that women remarry? How do you decide if remarriage is right for you? Are there other factors to consider? Is it possible to reconcile with your former spouse?
Less likely to remarry for women
While women are generally less likely to remarry than men, the gender gap has narrowed over the past several decades. In 1960, 69 percent of men and 45 percent of women were eligible to remarry. Today, women are about as likely as men to remarry within five years of a divorce, and nearly half do not wish to remarry. The reasons behind these findings are complex, but they can be summarized in several ways.
The prevalence of divorce and remarriage varies by race. Whites are more likely than blacks and Hispanics to remarry. Although the proportion of divorced women is still high, the number of blacks and Hispanics who have remarried has decreased. Blacks and Hispanics were the least likely to remarry in 2012.
More likely to remarry after divorce
Compared to the first marriage, remarriage is more common among older individuals. This is partly because older people tend to have more resources and are less concerned about issues such as parental approval, premarital sex, and desired family size. Nevertheless, remarriage is still more likely among men than women. Statistics from the 1960s show that 56 percent of formerly married men and women remarried.
Remarrying rates of people aged thirty and above have remained relatively high over the last few decades, even after controlling for factors such as income and age. However, the proportion of younger divorcees who remarried has dropped since 1960. Although the numbers may be declining, they still represent a significant minority of divorced Americans. The study’s findings are still promising, as they show that many young people remarried after divorce.
Challenges of remarriage for couples with children
For couples with children, remarriage presents additional challenges. The previous marriage has already broken the couple’s bond, and it may have caused lingering feelings of attachment and distrust. Children from a previous marriage may be less likely to be tolerant of a second, unhappy union. The divorce may also have changed the parent’s perspective on remarriage. In addition, there may be lingering feelings of jealousy toward the former spouse.
Among the biggest concerns for remarried couples with children is the possibility of stepchildren causing problems. To avoid this scenario, consider talking to your partner and a family therapist about your concerns. Remarriages often involve one or two ex-spouses and a widowed spouse. While divorced couples are often civil, the process of remarriage for couples with children can be complex. Children, for example, need to be involved and have contact with their ex-spouse.
Effects of socioeconomic status on remarriage
Unlike Western theory, Chinese theory assumes that men and women are free to choose between employment and marriage. As a result, gender differences in remarriage rates are not surprising. In China, men and women who are in the labor force have better opportunities to meet each other, and men view women’s employment as a resource. For these reasons, women are more likely to remarry than men, and men are more likely to stay in their marriages.
The effects of individual resources and gender on remarriage are also evident in the study. High income and employment, a non-agricultural job, and good housing conditions all have positive effects on remarriage. However, age and education have a more significant influence on women’s remarriage than do other factors. These differences are more pronounced among women who are living in urban areas than in rural regions.