Which of the following statements about the divorce rate in America is true?

The statement that the divorce rate in America has increased due to more acceptance of diverse lifestyles recognizes the changing social context surrounding marriage and divorce. In recent decades, societal norms have shifted towards greater acceptance of various family structures, sexual orientations, and lifestyle choices. This increased acceptance allows individuals to make decisions that align with their personal identities, often leading to a willingness to exit marriages that are unfulfilling or do not conform to their values. Additionally, as societal stigma surrounding divorce has lessened, more individuals feel empowered to pursue divorce without fear of societal repercussions.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the complexities of the divorce rate. For instance, while some data may indicate a decline in divorce rates in specific demographics, this is not universally applicable to all groups and may not be primarily influenced by religious support. Moreover, the claim that divorce only affects lower-income families overlooks the pervasive nature of divorce across all socioeconomic strata. Lastly, a significant body of research demonstrates that women's autonomy, including financial independence and educational attainment, does have a correlation with divorce rates, suggesting that women's increased autonomy often plays a role in their decision to end an unsatisfactory marriage.