Divorce trends and differentials in China

Due to strong cultural norms and associated social pressures, divorce has been a rare occurrence in china. Since 1950, new marriage laws have altered the legal context for marriage and divorce, and social change has altered the nature of family life. This study examines divorce differentials using the Chine In-Depth Fertility Survey conducted in 1985. Divorce is more common among urban residents, those with more education, those who are still young, and those whose marriages are arranged. After other variables are controlled, work status and time period have little impact on divorce. Divorce remains an unusual occurrence in China, but important sociodemographic differentials are evident.