European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - August 22, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse High divorce rate stabilizes in . Ta�n4no to my other flow Romance. Woman nor m Well . By John m. Leighty United press International a stabilization of America s High divorce ales is occurring because of Ewe manages older first time brides an grooms and possibly less infidelity by people frightened of i he disease aids. Current divorce figures compiled by the National Center of health statistics show that 1,213 million couples got divorces in 1381, a Peak and that the figures have been dropping since with 1 159 million divorces last year despite the downward Rales. The local number of divorced people in the United states remains higher than Ever at 13-1 million up irom 10.8 million in 19b1 and irom 43 million in 1970, family psychologist Judith Wallersyein said she believes the statistics merely show a fluctuation not a major trend toward fewer divorces As predicted in a recent Harris poll. She Aid the he Ghent divorce Rales have always been among those who marry Young and thai the median age of first marriages Lor women has risen from 21.1 years in 1975 to 23 3 years in 1985. We also see slightly fewer marriages which lends to reduce Tho divorce rate and there May be some pressure to avoid infidelity because of the fear of said Wallersyein. Executive director of Center for the family in transition in Corle Madara Catt currently 107.9 million americans Are married up from 95 million in 1970. But the percentage of marriages per Lota population has dropped exponentially from 7s.3 percent in 1970 to a current 68.7 percent. The percentage of divorces since 1970 has steadily risen from 3.9 percent to 8.7 percent Wallersyein said americans May be less prone to Cut the nuptial lies because of financial considerations and because they Are better educated Aslo the realities and consequences of divorce. I Don t think of this Tower divorces As a rekindling of an interest in marriage. Americans have always had an inner Cal in marriage she said adding the majority of those who divorce eventually remarry. Seal Islic show that first marriages Are most Likely to end in divorce in the sixth to seventh year and with the average age of men being Aboul 32 and women 29 and that the percentage of divorce among Blacks is nearly double that of Whites. The highest percentage of divorce occurs in the 10 Western Stales with the lowest rates being reported in the Northeast especially new England according to . Census Bureau figures. Higher divorce rates also occur in Urban rather than Rural areas although the difference is becoming less pronounced. The reasons Aren l Quilo Clear but experts believe a More Mobile population and generally More Liberal altitudes of people in the Western Stales contributes to the higher divorce rates of that Region new England which has the lowest rate of divorce is considered a More stable population with stronger traditional and religious values. According to the National Center Lor health statistics. Nevada had the highest per capita divorce rate in 1984. The latest year or which final figures Are available at 15.2 divorces per 1.000 population new Mexico was second at 7.9 Lor every 1,000 people and Alaska was third at 7.7. Massachusetts had the lowest rate Al 3.0 per 1,000 population. Walte Stoin said the pressures of Urban life generally leads to More divorces but that the sociological differences Are not As great As they used to be Between Tho cities suburbs and Small towns. Divorces Are most Likely to occur at pressure Points in marriages such As after the first child is bom during financial struggles when a child has a serious illness and after the children Are grown and leave Home says Wallerstein. Pollster Tjoutis Harris recently said government figures and a National Survey done of 3.001 family members indicate that the american family is thriving and census Bureau predictions thai halt of Al marriages will foil is one of the most specious pieces of statistical nonsense Ever perpetrated in modern limes the figures indicate Only one in eight marriages will break up and that in any single year Only 2 percent of existing marriages will end in divorce he sad. Census Bureau statistician Arlene Sauler said the Harris figures Are accurate Only ii combined with the average Over the past 30 or 40 years because it s Only been recently that divorce has really the divorce rate in each of the last five years has been about 50 percent of the rate of new marriages. Harris says the census prediction of a so percent divorce rate in the future is a High estimate but actually i think it s quite accurate based on recent marriage and divorce ii those trends persist then today s marriages have a 50 percent Chance of ending in divorce Saluter said. Robert Emory associate professor of psychology at the University of Virginia said it s difficult to predict but he believes High divorce rates Are Here to stay. I think the Harris poll has a Point in thai the american Amity is not dead. People Ara still getting married and about three fourths of those who gel divorced remarry said Emory. There Are More family forms being accepted but certainly the commitments people have toward each other and the commitments to relationships Are not dying Florence Kaslow president of the american psychological association s division on family psychology said a study showed that half of All divorces sought in the United slates last year were by women a trend that s also occurring around the world in countries where divorce Rales Ara rising. Ejma Bombeck two major events Are happening in our cily in september. The Pope is going to spend 24 hours Here and my Friend. Marge ragman is babysitting her 3-year-old grandson. Harold from Illinois on the same Day. Trust a there is a parallel Here. For nearly a year the route the Pope will take has been carefully blocked Oil to ensure his getting irom one place to another. Streets have been cleared to accommodate those who wan to head he speak. Equal planning has gone into the blockades set up m the ragman House with gales covering stairways looms scaled Oil. And the piano in the living room crated and pushed out of the traffic pal Tern at the moment Iho House resembles a carpeted dog run predictably the Security measures for the Pope s Visil ate a no 1 Nonty he will at All times be insulated irom the crowds by an entourage which will guard his every move safety is the hey word Heie Page 16 the stars and stripes in preparation for Harold s visit door knobs with Button locks have been removed from All bathroom and bedroom doors so that he cannot possibly kick himself in. Every cupboard has been emptied and everything in them moved to High the Telephone will be disconnected and stored knobs on the to will be removed to avoid giving Marge undue stress the family dog wih be put in a boarding Kennet fits own safely. Decorating and Lor the Pope s visit have been ongoing for months. The Basilica where he is to speak has a fresh coat of paint and Parade routes Are being spruced up. The ragman House has also undergone major renovation every piece of turn Ilure has been removed or covered with bedspreads and plastic Coffee tables Are Barren Light switches Aie taped and anything thai is breakable edible capable of being ripped torn mutilated or showing water stains is history saturday August 22, 1987 the Pope s special needs have been duly noted and Ere in the process of being planned. His daily habits menus and lifestyle will be Given every consideration. Al the moment Marge on me advice of her daughter in Law has a stockpile of enough food. Toys clothing and emergency phone numbers to Star a new country. The Pope s influence throughout the world has preceded him. Reports of his stamina and Energy Are legion. Harold is no Slouch either stories have reached his grandmother thai he has already started the family car. Given Tho dog a Mohawk dismantled a sweeper and gotten and of a bowl of Yucky Brussels sprouts by putting them m the dryer Marge s plan is to sleep three hours and be on duly Lor 21. The Pope will spend his Day mostly in prayer. So Wilt Marge
