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Theory: Women With Daughters Don't Need Husbands

It's a new take on divorce statistics

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 7, 2010 5:12 PM CDT | Updated Sep 11, 2010 6:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sociologists have puzzled over an odd stat for years: Parents are more likely to divorce if they have girls instead of boys. The New York Times parenting blog today takes note of a new theory by a Notre Dame psychologist: Women who have daughters don't need a husband as much "because they know that with a girl, they'll never be lonely or without help."

These women "may be less willing to tolerate any bad behaviors from their husbands (and less willing to stay married)," writes psychologist Anita E. Kelly in Psychology Today. "This idea could even explain why couples expecting a girl are less likely to marry: A woman carrying a girl anticipates that she won't need a husband." As they say, girls rule, boys drool.

Is this mom more prone to divorce? (Shutterstock)

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Theory: Women With Daughters Don't Need Husbands

It's a new take on divorce statistics

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Theory: Women With Daughters Don't Need Husbands

It's a new take on divorce statistics

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

divorce • families • mothers • fathers • daughters • sons

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Dads Even More Stressed Out Than Moms

Expected to do more, fathers now feel mothers' pain at the balancing act

Day-Care Kids Take Bigger Risks

New fuel for mommy wars

We Love Dad, Too; We Just Don't Spend as Much

But that doesn't mean we don't love him as much

Mom Gives Birth to Baby No. 18

'I like to snuggle,' says Arkansas woman

Brit, K-Fed, Settle Their Split

The amateur rapper and the rehabbed pop princess' story comes to a quiet end

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?