The research found that parents who earned approximately the same were no more likely to split up than those where the father earned more, and in some cases were less likely to separate.
For example, for couples with children of school age, the risk of separation fell by about half for those that were married, and by more for those that were unmarried.
“Sociological and economic theories have long predicted that women's increased economic independence would undermine the institution of marriage," said the researchers.
