THE historical study of divorce practice has only recent begun and has not yet addressed the increasing frequency of divorce Using Worcester County, Massachusetts as a test case, this article examines the late nineteenth century when, while divorce was still rare, the increase was beginning. Through analysis of the socioeconomic characteristics of those obtaining divorces, this article presents a preliminary hypothesis that explains the increasing frequency of divorce in terms of basic changes of American life, particularly the increased economic independence of women brought about by industrialization.
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