New Jersey Divorce Lawyer Blog
One of the most popular movies of 2023 is Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer tells the story of Robert Oppenheimer, director of the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was the research undertaken to develop the United States first atomic bomb during World War II. A question raised about the Manhattan Project at the time was how the endeavor affected the divorce rate among employees and their spouses. In this article, we discuss the impact of employment on marriage, using the Manhattan Project as an illustration.
Manhattan Project and Family Life
The project was so secretive that most of the workers didn’t even know what they were working on, and their families were kept in the dark about their work. Despite these challenging conditions and the high-stakes nature of the work, divorce rates among Manhattan Project workers were lower than the national average at the time, according to a study conducted during the early 1940s. In other words, researchers concluded that the impact of work on marriage in the case of the Manhattan Project was not as significant as anticipated or presumed.
Reasons Why Divorce Rates was Lower Among Manhattan Project Workers
The study on impact of employment on marriage found that divorce rates among Manhattan Project workers were about half the national average during the early 1940s. This was surprising, given the long hours, hazardous conditions, and isolation from family and friends that the workers experienced. However, some factors may have contributed to these lower divorce rates. For instance, the workers received good pay and benefits, which may have helped to support their families. Additionally, the close-knit community of workers on the project may have provided a support system for families.
Challenges of Manhattan Project: Impact of Employment on Marriage Among Workers
Despite these factors, working on the Manhattan Project was undoubtedly a challenging experience for many individuals and families involved. Workers were not allowed to bring their families with them, which contributed to high levels of stress and isolation. The secrecy surrounding the project also meant that workers had to keep their work and the true purpose of the project a secret from their loved ones, which could have put additional strain on their marriages.
Moreover, some workers may have found it difficult to adjust to civilian life after being involved in such a high-pressure and secretive project. The transition from working on such a significant technological achievement to returning to life outside the project would have undoubtedly been difficult for many workers. Additionally, some workers may have experienced health problems related to their work on the project, which could have put additional strain on their marriages.
It’s also worth noting that divorce rates increased after the war ended, and workers began to leave the project. This may have been due to the fact that the workers were readjusting to civilian life and experiencing new stresses and challenges. Many workers had to find new jobs and adjust to life outside the project, which could have put additional strain on their marriages.
Facts and Stats About Impact of Employment on Marriage in 2023
Drawing from the Oppenheimer film and what did and did not happen to projects involved in the real-life Manhattan project, we conclude with a look at facts and stats associated with work and marriage in this day and age.
- According to a study by the American Sociological Association, couples in which the husband is unemployed are 33% more likely to divorce.
- A study by the University of North Carolina found that marriages in which the wife earns more than the husband are more likely to end in divorce.
- A survey by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts found that 57% of divorces involve disputes over finances.
- A study by the University of Oxford found that couples in which both partners work full-time are 30% more likely to divorce than couples in which only one partner works.
- A study by the University of Virginia found that couples who work non-traditional hours (such as night shifts or weekends) are more likely to divorce.
- A study by the University of Minnesota found that job loss is associated with a higher risk of divorce.
- A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that couples who work in the same industry are more likely to divorce than couples who work in different industries.
If you are considering filing for a divorce in New Jersey, call (201) 845-7400 for a free consultation.
