Based on recent research, it would seem we are entering in era in which it is more difficult than ever for married couples to tolerate differences in opinions regarding politics.
A recent study by Wakefield Research indicates one in 10 Americans have ended a relationship due to political differences.
The younger the couple, the more likely politics are to be an issue when viewpoints are incompatible. Among millennials (generally considered those born between 1982 and 1997), 22 percent of respondents said they had ended a relationship due to politics. In addition, 29 percent of Americans in a relationship or marriage (nearly a third) indicate they have experienced tension in their relationship due to the current political climate.
Politics just one of many issues causing marital strain
While the number of couples reporting politics as a factor in their marital problems is increasing, it still pales in comparison to the number of couples who place most of the blame on factors such as:
Financial problems
Communication issues
Extramarital affairs
Physical or emotional abuse
General incompatibility
Addiction
The single-largest factor listed in divorce courts nationwide is “irreconcilable differences,” which is sort of a catch-all category for any of the above factors. Political differences could be included among irreconcilable differences.
It is expected that this issue will only continue to grow more severe, as the nation’s political culture becomes more polarized and tensions across the political spectrum continue to inflame.
To learn more about your options if you believe you and your spouse have irreconcilable differences, contact an experienced Minneapolis, MN divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
