Final answer:
The US divorce rates are influenced by factors such as age, education, region, and the presence of assets. Methodological differences in research can produce varying interpretations of divorce trends. Historical data shows fluctuations in divorce rates with recent trends indicating stability similar to the 1970s.
Step-by-step explanation:
Divorce rates in the United States vary by region, age, education level, and other demographic factors. The methodology used in studying divorce rates can significantly affect perceptions of marital stability or the lack thereof. For example, looking at divorce rates based on marriage and divorce occurrences within the same year can be misleading, as those rates could be from marriages at different times. A more accurate picture might be obtained from cohort studies or by tracking the number of people who have ever been married against those who later divorced. Factors such as increased age at marriage, higher education levels, and the accumulation of assets have been linked to lower divorce rates. On the other hand, couples who marry at younger ages, particularly in regions like the South, exhibit higher divorce rates.