Covenant marriages are designed to make divorce more difficult. In these unions, couples can only divorce in cases of abuse or adultery. Otherwise, they must undergo counseling and wait two years, unlike the six-to-12-month separation typically required in no-fault divorces. Proponents of covenant marriages, often called the “marriage movement,” argue that the legal and moral obligations of this type of marriage will help ensure lasting relationships. Currently, covenant marriages are available in three states, and 20 more are considering similar laws.
A study led by Steven Nock, Ph.D., a sociology professor at the University of Virginia, is tracking 600 newly married couples, half of whom are in covenant marriages. Two years into the five-year study, only one-fourth of about 50 divorces involved couples in covenant marriages.
In a recent survey of 1,324 people from Michigan, Louisiana, and Arizona—states where covenant marriage is permitted—researchers found that 60 percent of respondents believed stricter divorce laws would benefit society. However, only 39 percent strongly supported covenant marriage. Nine out of ten respondents agreed on the importance of marital counseling, but fewer were in favor of waiting periods for divorce. The full survey results will be published in Family Relations later this year.
Covenant marriage is seen not just as a response to high divorce rates, but as part of a broader cultural shift. Many newlyweds today were raised by baby boomers, who emphasized contraception and gender equality—changes that have significantly altered the dynamics of marriage, especially for women. “When one partner lives very differently from their mother or grandmother, it sets the stage for significant generational change,” says Nock.
Couples in covenant marriages tend to be more conservative and religious. According to Nock, the key difference is a strong belief that the relationship is the right one, though whether this conviction stems from the covenant marriage itself or other factors is still unclear.
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