A Study On The Rising Trends Of Divorce In Ulhasnagar: Causes And Social Concerns

Abstract

Divorce has emerged as a significant social concern in urban India, reflecting changing lifestyles, social values, and family structures. This study examined the rising trends of divorce in Ulhasnagar, aiming to identify the social, cultural, and personal factors contributing to marital breakdown and understand its impact on families and society. A descriptive research design was employed, collecting primary data from 350 respondents through structured questionnaires, and secondary data from articles, journals, and reports. Data analysis involved frequency analysis, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), normality tests (Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk), reliability tests (Cronbach’s Alpha), hypothesis testing (t-test, correlation, Chi-Square Test of Independence, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation). Findings indicate that financial stress, communication gaps, personality conflicts, family interference, and infidelity are key factors driving divorce. Divorce was observed to have significant social and familial impacts, particularly on children’s emotional well-being, family cohesion, economic stability, and societal perceptions of marriage. Normality and reliability tests confirmed the robustness of the data, while hypothesis testing validated significant relationships between identified factors and rising divorce cases. The study highlights that younger, educated, and urban populations are more aware and accepting of divorce, reflecting a shift in traditional attitudes. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers, social workers, and community leaders to address the consequences of marital breakdown in Ulhasnagar and similar urban contexts. The research emphasizes the need for community support, counselling services, financial planning, and awareness programs to mitigate divorce-related challenges. Overall, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of why divorces are increasing locally, their causes, and their wider social implications.