Rethinking romance: has COVID-19 altered marriage and divorce paths?

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the dynamics of marriage and divorce rates in Ecuador. Using data from the Statistical Registry of Marriages and Divorces, we examine how imposed restrictions and uncertainty influenced these rates. Fixed-effect regression models reveal a decline in marriage rates in 2020 and a reduction in divorce rates due to temporary court closures and mobility restrictions. However, divorce rates increased following the vaccination rollout and resumption of activities, reflecting the tensions accumulated during lockdowns. Placebo tests confirm that the observed changes were specific to the pandemic and not attributable to other factors. This study highlights how significant global events can redefine social structures and influence personal and family decisions, impacting the formation and dissolution of marital ties.