Final answer:
Covenant marriages are not bound by a lesser contract, and the statement suggesting they make it easier to obtain a divorce is false. These types of marriages require couples to adhere to stricter guidelines and only allow divorce under specific, more stringent conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Covenant marriages are bound by a lesser contract, making it easier to get a divorce" is false. Covenant marriages are actually a type of marriage that is recognized in some states in the United States, where couples agree to stricter marital and divorce regulations. In a covenant marriage, couples undergo counseling before getting married and can only obtain a divorce under more stringent conditions compared to a standard marriage. These measures imply a greater commitment to the permanence of the union.
Historically, after decades of advocacy, divorce became possible in countries like Britain and France in the late nineteenth century. However, it remained a difficult and costly process, often only accessible to the well-off. Additionally, marriage has been and can still be viewed as a legally recognized social contract. With diverse cultural practices, the terms and stability of marriages can vary, but generally, marriages represent a legal commitment with expectations of permanence.
Contributing factors to divorce include financial stress, as indicated by the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project. This research found that couples with fewer assets are more likely to divorce within three years compared to those with a stronger financial foundation. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics of marital stability and dissolution.