A recent American study has found that long-term separations are more common amongst couples who can't afford to divorce.
The study, by researchers at Ohio State University, found that around 80% of couples who separated eventually got divorced, usually within three years of their separation. Around 15% however didn't divorce or reconcile, even after ten years of separation. These couples tended to come from ethnic minorities and have a low income.
“Long-term separation seems to be the low-cost, do-it-yourself alternative to divorce for many disadvantaged couples,” said Dmitry Tumin, co-author of the study and a doctoral student in sociology at Ohio State University.
“Separation may not be their first choice, but they may feel it is their best choice.”
