MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
The meaning of marriage has changed from the historical ideal of marrying for financial stability, political ideals, or social obligations. Gender roles are no longer as prominent as they used to be. Women can have successful careers, they don’t have to become that stay-at-home mom to please their husband anymore. Moreso, women don’t have to bear children just because they’re married and it’s time for a family. Heterosexuality is no longer the only socially acceptable type of relationship, and sex before marriage is no longer the “sin” it was once considered. As traditions change and people develop, so does the entire concept of marriage. Historically, one of the reasons for traditional marriage is religion. Religions all over the world consider marriage as a sacred religious tradition. Universally, in religions, it’s seen more like a contract. Now in a more liberal society, marriage is seen as a matter of the heart and for pure love.
MARRIAGE IN TODAY'S SOCIETY
Despite the traditional concept of marriage, it hasn’t completely been forgotten. The meaning has simply changed. People still like the intention of marrying the love of their life in a more modern standard. According to a survey done on 3,000 single individuals, “75% still want to get married, not for the social pressure, but because of their own personal desire and belief in marriage” (Coetzee). The pressure to marry has dramatically fallen, people are feeling the greatest freedom to marry than ever before. Although the data of people getting married has declined, and the age pushed back, the purpose of marriage is solely for the reason that a couple loves each other. It’s no longer the old set of reasons listed on a contract for a couple to follow. It has beautifully developed as a single expression of love.
IMPULSIVE MARRIAGE
As people begin to date and fall into a euphoric state of love, it can be easy to imagine the rest of their lives with this one other person that makes them feel on top of the world. This leads to an impulsive marriage where they really don’t know the challenges and responsibilities that come with marriage. Usually common among young adults. Then as they realize they don’t work out for each other. Sometimes they work out but sometimes they don’t. The positive aspect of these short-lived marriages is that there aren’t as many complications as several-year long marriages. Among impulsive marriages are also the couples who marry because they feel as though that’s what they are supposed to do. A common mentality in today’s society is to go to college, find a significant other, then get married. This is a misconception because they are only falling into the pressure of society’s standards. Again they fall into a marriage in which they don’t know the challenges that are to come.
DIVORCE
Unfortunately, divorce rates are at an all-time peak, but why? According to the American Psychological Association, “about 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce.” Divorce is now so common because of the sole reason that it doesn’t carry the stigma it used to. It’s seen everywhere, from parents, family, tv, social media, etc. It’s become popular and seen as something everybody does. Divorce is happening so frequently, couples are filing every day. It almost sounds trendy. Divorce should be approached in the most considerate manner. It has a great impact on spouses, children, and families. Traditionally, it was very difficult to get a divorce, leaving couples in unhealthy relationships. Additionally, it had that social stigma connected to it.
WHY DIVORCE
Besides infidelity, one of the top reasons couples divorce is due to a lack of communication. According to a survey by Huffposts communication is among many other reasons, such as:
getting in for the wrong reasons
lack of individual identity
becoming lost in roles
not having a shared vision of success
the intimacy disappears
unmet expectations
finances
being out of touch
different priorities and interests
inability to resolve conflicts
CITATIONS
Coetzee, Zoe. “The Meaning of Marriage - What Does It Mean Today?” EliteSingles, https://www.elitesingles.com/mag/relationship-advice/meaning-of-marriage.
Payne, Lisa L. “The 10 Most Common Reasons People Get Divorced.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 16 Sept. 2016, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-most-common-reasons-people-divorce_b_8086312.
Tash, Justin. “Why Divorce Is so Common in Today's Society (the Sad Truth).” Burggraff Tash Levy PLC, 20 Aug. 2020, https://btlfamilylaw.com/why-couples-divorce/.