Is Divorce Hereditary?

Can genes help explain why people separate? 

Sociologist Ruth Eva Jørgensen believes they can. In her doctoral research project, she explored the connection between genetics and relationship breakdown, and the extent to which the likelihood of separation is something that ‘runs in the family’:

“Genes and genetically informed methods can help us understand processes of transmission between generations, from parents to children,” says Jørgensen, who recently defended her doctoral dissertation at the University of Oslo.

Common explanations

There are many different reasons why relationships end in separation. In sociology and demography, researchers have focused on differences between groups and factors such as age, socioeconomic background, and education.

International and Norwegian research has shown that:

• People with higher levels of education are less likely to get divorced.

• Women are more likely to initiate a separation.