Belarus' High Divorce Rate: Exploring The Reasons

Belarus has one of the highest divorce rates in the world. The country's divorce rate is estimated to be 3.4 or 3.8 divorces per 1,000 people, or 54.6 divorces per 100 marriages. There are several factors that contribute to this high rate, including economic problems, social conditions, secularization, abortion rates, and an increase in poverty. The country's divorce rate has also been linked to the political and economic instability following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Additionally, Belarus has a high rate of atheism, and the lack of religious influence may contribute to the acceptance of divorce as a normal part of life.

Secularisation and atheism

The secular nature of the country also means that there is a lack of religious support systems, such as pre-marital counselling and marriage enrichment programs offered by religious communities, which could otherwise help couples navigate challenges in their relationships.

Additionally, the move towards secularism in Belarus has been accompanied by a decline in traditional patriarchal family ties. This suggests that gender dynamics within marriages may have shifted, potentially leading to changes in power structures and expectations within the relationship.

The acceptance of divorce as a normal part of life in Belarus, as noted by Valery Karbalevich, an analyst with the independent Minsk-based Strategy Center for Political Analysis, further underscores the impact of secularisation on the country's divorce rate.

Furthermore, the country's leader, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has recognised the issue and often lectures television audiences on the benefits of larger, stable families. This indicates an attempt to promote more traditional family values, possibly in response to the perceived impact of secularisation on the country's high divorce rate.

Abortion rates

Additionally, abortions can be sought due to financial instability or concerns about the ability to provide for a child adequately. In Belarus, economic and social conditions, including financial strains and housing problems, are cited as significant contributors to the high divorce rate. Couples may choose to terminate a pregnancy if they feel they lack the necessary resources or stability to raise a child, which can be a result of their own economic situation or broader societal factors, such as a lack of social support or employment opportunities.

Moreover, abortions can have psychological and emotional impacts on individuals, which can, in turn, affect their relationships. Abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision that can evoke a range of emotions, including grief, relief, guilt, or anxiety. These emotions can influence an individual's mental health and well-being, potentially leading to relationship challenges if not adequately addressed.

It is important to note that while abortion rates may be a contributing factor to Belarus's high divorce rate, it is not the sole cause. Other factors, such as financial difficulties, unemployment, secularization, and a lack of social and institutional support for families, also play a significant role in the country's high divorce rate.

Poverty and financial strain

Belarus has one of the highest divorce rates in the world, with money issues being cited as one of the main reasons. The unstable economy has affected the marital choices of Belarusians, with financial strains leading many couples to avoid having children, which can result in more divorces.

One young man from Belarus said:

> "I think it [divorce] is an economic problem. It also explains the low birth rate. Many families have no children, which does not help to keep them together."

An older woman agreed, stating:

> "Primarily, I think that it [the divorce rate] reflects material difficulties. Husbands are earning very little and wives are not happy. Women also have no opportunities to get a good job. There are also housing problems. People live together with parents and it also affects their lives. Every family has its own reasons."

The country's economic problems have been exacerbated by the collapse of the Soviet Union, which has caused "a big psychological discomfort in society".

The financial strain of divorce is also worse in Belarus than in some other countries. In the US, for example, women are increasingly able to support themselves financially after a divorce, but in Belarus, women have fewer employment opportunities and are therefore more financially dependent on their husbands. This means they may be less likely to leave an unhappy marriage.

Housing problems

As of 1991, 28.8% of households were on waiting lists for housing in urban areas. The average housing space per capita was 17.9 square meters in 1990. In response to this crisis, the Belarusian government has been reforming housing laws since 1992 to secure citizens' constitutional right to acquire, build, reconstruct, or lease housing facilities.

The lack of housing has also led to couples living with parents, which can put a strain on marriages. One interviewee on the streets of the Belarusian capital cited housing problems as one of the reasons for the high divorce rate:

> "People live together with parents and it also affects their lives. Every family has its own reasons."

Another factor contributing to the housing crisis is the increase in marriages with foreigners, particularly among Belarusian women seeking to leave the country. Since 2000, the annual number of such marriages has more than doubled, now accounting for 6-7% of all registered marriages in the country. This trend is notable given the high visa and language barriers in Belarus.

Lack of state support for families

Belarus has one of the highest divorce rates in the world, with about 4.5 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants. This can be attributed to a range of factors, including economic and social conditions, secularization, abortion rates, and poverty. One of the key reasons for the high divorce rate in Belarus is the lack of state support for families.

The Belarusian state has been criticized for its lack of support for families, which has been cited by some as a contributing factor to the country's high divorce rate. Belarusians have pointed out that the family, as an institution, receives support in Western countries, but this is not the case in Belarus. This lack of institutional support leaves families to deal with their problems alone, which can create additional stress and challenges, making it more difficult for couples to stay together.

The government's attempts to address the issue by offering financial incentives for Belarusians to have children have been hindered by the country's lack of financial resources. The economic situation in Belarus can lead many couples to avoid having children, as they believe it will help them stay together. However, the lack of state support for families with children can also be a factor in divorce, as it creates additional financial strain and makes it more challenging for parents to balance work and family life.

Housing problems and unemployment, particularly for women, are also cited as contributing factors to the high divorce rate. The state's inability to provide adequate housing and ensure equal job opportunities for women can create additional stress and dissatisfaction within marriages, leading to divorce.

Furthermore, the collapse of the Soviet Union brought about significant socio-economic problems, causing psychological discomfort in Belarusian society. This has likely contributed to the breakdown of families, as people struggle to adapt to the new economic and social realities.

The lack of state support for mental health services could also be a factor in the high divorce rate. Divorce is often a result of a combination of factors, including financial strain, unemployment, and domestic issues. Without adequate mental health support, couples may struggle to cope with these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of divorce.

Overall, the lack of state support for families in Belarus encompasses various aspects, including financial assistance, housing, job opportunities, and mental health services. This lack of support creates additional challenges for families, contributing to the country's high divorce rate. Addressing these issues through policy changes and increased investment in social programs could potentially help reduce the number of divorces in the country.

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