Understanding the Patterns of Marital Dissolution in Mizoram, India

Abstract

This study analyses the geographic, demographic, and socio-economic variations of divorce among ever-married women in Mizoram, based on secondary data from five rounds of the National Family Health Survey, conducted during 1992-93 to 2019-21. Descriptive statistical techniques, particularly bivariate analysis, have been used to identify variations in divorce prevalence by place of residence, age, educational attainment, occupation, household wealth, and number of living children. The prevalence of divorce in Mizoram fluctuated over the past three decades, with a persistent gap in urban and rural areas, with the former consistently reporting a higher prevalence. Notable inter-district variations are also observed, with Lunglei district exhibiting the highest prevalence in the most recent rounds. The divorce rate was highest among the age group 20–24, and generally declined with advancing age. Variations are also evident in relation to educational level, with women possessing secondary education as well as those employed in sales exhibiting a relatively higher divorce rate. Household wealth exhibits modest variation, with both the poorest and richest groups displaying the highest prevalence in varying periods. The divorce rate is also high among women with fewer or no living children, compared to others with two or more living children. The results of this research draw attention to the complexities involved in the phenomenon of divorces in Mizoram, which require a multidimensional policy approach that focuses on diversity. Future research incorporating multivariate and qualitative approaches is recommended to further elucidate the determinants of divorce in Mizoram.