Divorce: It’s Not Always About You

In the discussion that followed this week’s news that Al and Tipper Gore were separating — the “if they can’t make it, who can” ruminations — we heard that the breakup of such long-term marriages is going to be more common, as baby boomers, healthy and relatively wealthier than previous generations, don’t want to stick it out, or don’t have to stick it out, with their longtime spouses but can indeed have a new start, to go it alone, or find new romance.

But what do we really know about the broader economic and social consequences of the break-up of long-term marriages? Are we far more insulated from its effects, given that couples have more legal and financial resources than in the past or do they? Which groups are affected most?

via Divorce: It’s Not Always About You - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com.