Why or why not?
2006-08-16 06:50:35 · 14 answers · asked by friskygimp 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Marriage as a legal contract between parties to formalize a relationship and to establish certain legal liabilities and responsibilities is not outdated. However, it may need to be redefined.
First of all, the concept of "til death do us part" only works in cultures where the lifespan is 45 or less. If the statistics in the US are any example, most "successful" marriages last approximately twenty years, at which time people divorce and typically enter new marriages. This isn't really all that shocking. After all, as people age, the circumstances of their lives change, as well as their wants and needs. Two people who were remarkably compatible at 20 may or may not be remotely compatible by the time they are 40. Ending such a relationship is not a failure, but an admission that they have given each other what they needed while they could and now it's time for both of them to find someone better suited to their needs at present.
The second problem with marriage at present is the concept of monogamy. Given the sheer prevalence of adultery, clearly monogamy is a concept that gets lip service and not much else in reality. Isn't it time that people act like adults and talk openly about their needs and what they want from their marital relationship and what they want from other sources. Extracurricular relationships need not destabilize or threaten a marital relationship; they can be a rich source of inspiration and passion for a relationship that perhaps just needed a little boost.
Finally, procreation needs to be removed from the equation. Given the long term difficulty and expense, if not outright trauma, of raising children, most couples would be much better off with NO children at all. Other than finances, issues around children are the single most destructive force in most marital relationships. Obviously, the world also doesn't really need any more people.
2006-08-16 08:03:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The material reasons for marriage are legal and for the protection of children, property and health. So state marriage licences serve a good purpose,
If two people want to legally share their lives it shouldn't matter whether they are gay or not-gay, male or female.
If my brother and I both lost our wives and wanted to seal a legal bond to look after each other, our children, share health benefits and ensure our property was shared... a legal binding government agreement should be the way to do it. But we couldn't (and luckily we don't need to :).
As such it wouldn't be marriage just a legal agreement that has the benefit of the current marriage laws.
So marriage is outdated.
But the benefits of the legal agreement are still needed.
PS I don't agree with JS3971 but there is a point there. Once two people get married and have children, their focus changes. Less focused on themselves and more focused on society. But it isn't marriage that enables that it is the act of making a commitment to each other and famliy.
2006-08-16 14:05:01 · answer #2 · answered by yepwellmaybe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a waste because a marriage is supposed to be a promise between two hearts, not a piece of paper. Unfortunately, people are doing it nowadays just for the legal and tax benefits. This does not a marriage make. Fortunately for myself, I am simply handfasted.
2006-08-16 14:55:46 · answer #3 · answered by Jylsamynne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with QB. Marriage "for life" was back when the human lifespan was 40 years. It was a lot easier to stay with someone for your whole life. We do it now, more out of tradition. It's expected. We want to be "in love".
BTW, I am married. I did it because he is my partner in life. We have moments when we both would like to kill the other, but in the end, we know that together, we can do anything.
2006-08-16 14:00:28 · answer #4 · answered by nicolehope 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a wa yes. afterall the whole "til death do us part" was from when the average life span was 40. I think more people hang on to it for tradition, and out of hope that the one they love is the one they love always.
2006-08-16 13:56:08 · answer #5 · answered by QB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends.
I dont think it is outdated. But, I believe in God and practice Christianity. I believe God knows what he is doing. After all, divorce is due to Satans influence here on earth.
2006-08-16 14:00:31 · answer #6 · answered by lwagner1998 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they don't last any longer than common law marriage.
2006-08-16 13:59:31 · answer #7 · answered by Mojo Seeker Of Knowlege 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not outdated. Strong marriages make for strong families. Strong families make for strong neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods make for strong towns and cities. Strong towns and cities make for strong states, and strong states make for a strong country. And we wonder why our coutnry is going to hell in a handbasket.
2006-08-16 13:58:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No its not but now-a-days marriage isn't as sacred as it use to be.
2006-08-16 13:56:59 · answer #9 · answered by Latavish G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is something very interesting.It is really god made arrangement.destined.belive it or not but it is a fact and proven fact.
2006-08-16 15:03:43 · answer #10 · answered by y S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋