Marriage, divorce, and legal change: new evidence from England and Wales |
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| Authors: | JM Binner AW Dnes |
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| Affiliation: | Nottingham Business School, The Nottingham Trent University, Burton St., Nottingham, NG1 4BU, UK Phone: +44 115 848 2429 Fax: +44 115 948 6512 E-mail:;The Business School, University of Hertfordshire, Hertford Campus, Mangrove Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 8QF, UK Phone: +44 1707 285464 Fax: +44 1707 285409 E-mail: |
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| Abstract: | In this article, we explain the evolution of divorce rates in England and Wales over the post-war period. Following the approach of the predominantly North American literature in this area, we focus on the liberalization of divorce law and socioeconomic factors as determinants of the divorce rate. In line with the development of the literature, we find that the introduction of liberalized, no-fault divorce law had a significant effect on the divorce rate in England and Wales. The finding that the law affects the divorce rate is consistent with the view that marriage is characterized by indivisibilities that inhibit Coasian bargaining. |
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