Did No-Fault Divorce Legislation Matter? Definitely Yes and Sometimes No

The Rodgers, et al. article is a response to Glenn’s critique of a previous study. Firstly, they contest Glenn’s use of linear curve for Figure 1. The use of the linear curve indicates that the Rodgers, et al. exaggerated their numbers; however, the authors used the linear-plus-quadratic curve because they felt that the increasing rate of divorces would be better explained. Though they claim that they could resolve this issue by “let[ting] the data speak” (which is used a few times in the article), the authors did a series of state-by-state graphs to show the patterns of divorce prior to and following the implementation of no-fault divorce laws in each state. The rest of the article continues in this vein, rebutting Glenn’s charges on their research project design, and arguing that 2 percent difference can be quite an impact on divorce rates nationwide. They conclude by sticking with their initial findings – that no-fault divorce laws affected the divorce rates in the U.S. – and posing more questions for further study.

My first thought when reading this article was, This is some catty shit. Seriously. The fact that Glenn responded to the article, then the authors drummed a response to his critique – it seems unnecessary. Both parties respond in order to further their agenda and to appear more knowledgeable and legitimate in their claims. But the effect is that all authors involved are petty, arguing over these semantics. Rather than writing articles back and forth, to assert one’s authority and knowledge, the feuding parties should team up and conduct a study together. At least then the energy being put into these articles would go toward a common goal and could help understand how/if no-fault divorce affects divorce. Personally, I believe that if people want to get divorced, they should be able to. If making divorce easier to obtain enables people to divorce, then more power to them. Would we prefer people to stay married because they cannot afford divorce or some other impediments? Having half of American marriages end in divorce might be embarrassing to some people and could be seen as reflecting the impulsiveness of Americans and the triviality with which they treat marriage. But I think it shows that people are determined to be happy, and in order to do so, they aren’t afraid to get married, divorce, marry again, and divorce, until they find the right person. The pursuit of happiness is a funny thing, and people go about it in many ways. And I think no-fault divorce is another nod to that American sentiment.