Married With Bankruptcy – NYTimes.com

A very interesting article, but, unfortunately, it says nothing at all about bankruptcy. That turns out to be a major omission, as bankruptcy could be an important vehicle in countering the trend he predicts.

Millions of American families may now be in the initial stage of their responses to the current crisis, working together and supporting one another through the early months of unemployment. During the Depression this stage seemed to last a year at most. Today, it might last longer. Wives now share with their husbands the burden of earning money, and the government provides more assistance.

But history suggests that this response will be temporary. By 1940 the divorce rate was higher than before the Depression, as if a pent-up demand was finally being satisfied. The Depression destroyed the inner life of many married couples, but it was years before they could afford to file for divorce.

Op-Ed Contributor - Married With Bankruptcy - NYTimes.com.