Stigma of Divorce

I personally do believe there is still a stigma that comes with divorce.  I have personally seen it happen to friends within their social, familial, and societal contexts.  Generally speaking from talking to friends who have walked through divorce, the stigma often comes from older generations, religious circles, and even from peers.  One study stated, "the divorced come to be seen and to see themselves as a less desired kind ... reduced in our minds from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one" (p. 3, cited by Gerstel, [15], p. 173).  After watching a close friend go through a divorce, I can say this was her exact feelings initially following the divorce.  Thankfully over time it changed and I believe she feels differently now, especially given she has a new relationship.  I don't however know how she is perceived in her daily life and if she encounters this notion of being "tainted and discounted".  Another study states "although other studies have shown a a clear decline in disapproval of divorce as a general category, disapproval of divorced individuals persists contingent on the specific conditions of their divorce".(Gerstel 172)  I have found this to be the case after looking over several studies.  The researchers all agree that stigma has gone down towards the idea of divorce in general, however, it's believed that the stigma is contingent on the specific criteria in which the divorce was made.  For instance, in society, generally speaking, if infidelity is the reason for initiating divorce, few people look down upon divorce.  In contrast if it was irreconcilable differences, people tend to ask more questions and place blame or stigma on the individuals.  It's important we know more about stigma when it comes to divorce in order to better understand resilience in those experiencing it or directly affected by it.  If we don't know or understand the stigma those who are or have divorced/divorcing, we cannot provide them with the adequate emotional, psychological and physical help they may need.  
First Study
Second Study

Comments

  1. Ashna ManthuruthilJuly 2, 2019 at 6:11 AM

    Although getting a divorce is common in our society, there is still a stigma against it in many other societies. There are laws that prohibit divorces and there are religious values that do not believe in divorces. Things like this put many partners in an unwanted relationship. I agree, it is important that we know more about stigma when it comes to divorce so we get to understand resilience in those who are going through this. Many people forget to do this and assume different things.

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