Wokeness and Divorce

Wokeness and Divorce

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

What is Woke?

Today, you’re either woke or anti-woke.  So what is woke? The term “woke” has been adopted into mainstream discourse to describe anyone who expresses or supports progressive social views, advocating for equality and challenging traditional norms that perpetuate social, economic, or political disparities.

The Good

For those within progressive circles, it’s a badge of honor, signaling active engagement with and commitment to social justice.

The Bad

However, “woke” has also become a point of contention.  Critics use the term pejoratively to describe what they perceive as an overly politically correct, dogmatic, or superficial approach to social issues.

Anti-woke people view wokeness as an extreme or performative form of social activism, causing divisiveness.  They view wokeness as “virtual signaling” (unsubstantiated moral superiority).  Some view it as sheep mentality, a failure to think critically.

The Ugly

Wokeness leads to forced acceptance and cancel culture – where individuals or entities are ostracized for not adhering to progressive myths, like “gender ideology” or “intersectionality and victimhood”.

Wokeness causes division, particularly in marriage.

The Impact of “Wokeness” on Modern Marriage

In 2016, I was asked to comment on the increase of divorce due to political division.  I noticed a huge increase of prospective clients who were filing for divorce due to differences which stem from politics.

It’s much worse today!

At the time, Inside Edition called it the Trump Divorce. I know the media tends to blame Trump for everything – including his own assassinations.  It’s foolish, however, to blame Trump for ruining your marriage.

Wokeness, not Trump, is ruining your marriage.

Woke Culture Hates Marriage

First of all, woke people hate marriage.

They believe marriage is an oppressive institution that should be dismantled.  Woke feminists view marriage as a violation of equality.

If woke women do marry, many refuse to take their husbands’ last name because it’s sexist and oppressive.

Also, the theme of subjective truth is embraced by the woke.  They strive to tear down labels – “decenter” and redefine.  There is no objective truth, and therefore no objective relationship.  By the way, this is what Prop 3 wants to do – to tear down marriage.

Woke people believe marriage always 50/50.  Marriage isn’t 50/50!  That’s divorce

Another woke belief is that marriage is a form of state-sponsored discrimination, especially against people who do not marry and certain racial or ethnic groups.  I have also heard a self-proclaimed woke person say that “Marriage is Racist”.  (Same with milk and  math.)

Wokeness Contributes to Selfishness and Unmet Expectations in Marriage

I once said, “Lower your expectations, increase your standards“.

Modern marriages are increasingly influenced by woke ideas like “personal fulfillment” and “equity”.

Esssentially, it’s become a “What’s in it for me?” type of transaction. But marriage is a covenant, not a contract.  This type of mentality sets a high bar for marital satisfaction. If these expectations are not met, it might lead to higher divorce rates, not only due to wokeness but because of the evolving standards of what constitutes a successful marriage.

Empowerment and Divorce

Empowerment is a core value of progressive (“woke”) movements.  And it has destroyed many a marriage.

This empowerment includes financial independence, legal rights, and societal acceptance, which are directly related to the “woke” concept of equality and equity in a marriage. My colleagues and I have all seen an increase of women who refuse to do any domestic labor – no cooking, cleaning, even bathing their own children, all in the name of “equality” in marriage.

Almost a decade ago, I blogged about masculine and feminine roles in marriage.  I think if it’s read today, it would generate hysteria – that’s how much society has shifted since then.

Woke individuals feel more empowered to exit unhappy marriages, and thus, more divorces occur amongst them.