Why are there so many divorces among people born in the 1980s

The higher divorce rate among the post-80s generation is mainly related to factors such as social transformation pressure, changes in marriage attitudes, improved economic independence, the trait of being an only child, and the influence of online social interaction.

1. Social Transformation Pressure

The post-80s generation grew up during a period of intense social change in China, facing new sources of pressure such as soaring housing prices and workplace competition. The traditional family division of labor model conflicts with the practical needs of dual income families, and both spouses are prone to accumulating conflicts in daily affairs such as childcare responsibilities and household chores allocation. This structural pressure will continue to deplete the emotional reserves in marriage.

2. Changes in Marriage Concepts

Compared to the previous generation's institutional dependence on marriage, the post-80s generation pays more attention to emotional quality and personal value realization. Divorce is seen as a reasonable choice for self redemption when there is long-term cold violence, value conflicts, or asynchronous growth. The weakening of social stigma towards divorce reduces the psychological cost of terminating unhappy marriages.

III. Economic Independence

The education level and employment rate of women born in the 1980s have significantly increased, and economic autonomy has weakened the survival dependence of traditional marriage. When a marriage is in crisis, both parties have the ability to live independently, reducing the need to maintain the marriage due to economic concerns. The improvement of the property division system has also lowered the actual threshold for divorce.

4. Characteristics of Being an Only Child

As the first generation of only children, the post-80s generation generally has strong self-awareness and insufficient empathy. In marriage, it is easy to magnify one's own needs and lack experience in dealing with intimate relationship conflicts. The perfectionist tendency formed by excessive attention from the original family also leads to a reduced tolerance for the shortcomings of the spouse.

Fifth, the influence of online social interaction

Social media has expanded the scope of interpersonal comparison, and virtual social interaction not only provides emotional alternatives but also raises expectations for marriage. The promotion of individualism by online public opinion and extreme marriage cases pushed by algorithms will strengthen dissatisfaction with the current situation. Online privacy exposure may also accelerate the crisis of trust.

For 80s couples facing crisis, it is recommended to rebuild communication mode through marriage counseling, distinguishing temporary conflicts from principled issues. Cultivating common interests and hobbies can enhance emotional connections, and setting common goals for family finances can improve collaboration. Regularly conduct emotional relationship assessments and try to separate for a cooling off period before making major decisions. Whether choosing to repair or end a relationship, rights and interests should be protected through formal legal procedures to avoid secondary harm caused by property or custody disputes. Maintain attention to the psychological state of children and reduce the negative impact of changes in family structure on their growth.