Final answer:
Strong religious views often act as a deterrent to divorce, while a large age difference and financial challenges increase the likelihood of it. Financial security tends to contribute to more stable marriages, and higher divorce rates within social groups can normalize divorce.
The correct answer is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the factors that do not make divorce more likely, strong religious views typically act as a deterrent rather than a causative factor. In contrast, a large age difference between spouses and financial challenges are factors that can increase the likelihood of divorce. Studies suggest that strong religious beliefs often contribute to a commitment to marriage, which can decrease the incidence of divorce.
This aligns with findings that individuals who place a high value on religion are often more likely to stay married than those who do not prioritize religion as highly.
Financial challenges, on the other hand, are a significant stressor in marriages, which may lead to divorce. Couples entering marriage with a stronger asset base are found to have more stable marriages. Additionally, a high divorce rate in a couple's cohort can influence their perspectives on the permanence of marriage and increase the likelihood of divorce through social normalization.