Shifting social trends hit marriage

Adults as well as children know what marriage is. It is a legally binding and socially sanctioned union of sexually intimate adults. Traditionally, a marriage takes place between an adult male and female. Occasionally, we hear of 'marriages' between two males or females. Whatever that may be, marriage is founded on certain requirements that include sexual relationship, economic interdependence, sharing a common home and raising children.

Although marriage has been a popular social institution during the past few centuries, it is now under assault from shifting social trends. The assaults are so formidable that psychologists and sociologists wonder whether marriage will survive as a social institution in the future. While the old generation clings on to marriage for social security and propagation of the species, the new generation seems to be veering away from it.

If you look around, you will see many young men and women have opted to remain single. One visible trend is that they tend to postpone marriage as long as possible. The days when we thought that single men and women are leading miserable lives no longer holds water. They seem to enjoy life at every turn. They have found many avenues to entertain themselves rather than maintaining a family.

Cohabitation

It is common in the West to live together in a sexually intimate relationship without any bonds of marriage. Very often undergraduates, young executives, businessmen and the nouveau riche find that cohabitation is an exciting way to live. At least in the West, cohabitation seems to be so common that it does not carry any social stigma. The trend seems to be spreading to the East as well. However, those who value the eastern traditions still frown on couples living together without getting married.

Marriage is a legal bond and a lifelong commitment. Some people today view it as an impediment to personal growth. They know that once they enter into a marital bond, it is not easy to get out of it. Traditional thinking requires couples to stay together in prosperity and adversity. However, the trend seems to be changing.

More couples seek divorce and try to go their own ways after a few years of marriage.

In the past, mostly in eastern countries, the husband was the sole breadwinner and the wife was expected to run the household and raise children. However, the situation has undergone a sea change today. Not only men but also women seek employment. The income so earned makes both men and women independent. So, it is natural for a woman to think that she does not have to depend on a man to maintain her. As a result, the role of a husband and wife has become more complex than that in the past.

Children

Another trend that has emerged today is that even married couples opt to have a lesser number of children. Sometimes, they do not want to have children at all. When both spouses are employed they find it difficult to raise children. So, childlessness is no longer a stigma on marriage. Another reason for childlessness is that some people get married late in life. On the other hand, some young men and women enjoy life to the full and get married when they approach their middle age.

Even a cursory glance at the marriage proposals in Sunday newspapers shows that a large number of males and females wish to get married. Most of them are fast approaching their middle age. It is a psychological fact that when they reach their middle age they seek company and security. Although they cannot produce children, they could live together as companions.

The institution of marriage is facing another challenge. That is promiscuity in modern society. It has come to a point that some people do not regard sexual relationship as something sacred. Fidelity is becoming an old fashioned word. In a promiscuous society people throw marital values to the winds. Males and females do what they want untrammelled by the rigidity of social mores and religious restrictions. They only serve lip service to "Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife!"

With all such trends threatening the very foundation of the institution of marriage, most people still get married. A recent survey shows about 90 percent of Americans want to get married at least once in their lifetime. However, most of them do it more than once! The million dollar question is what motivates people to get married knowing very well that such marriages will not last.

Innate desire

Despite the increasing number of divorce and liaison among men and women, most people have an innate desire to get married. Another reason is that young people come under parental and peer pressure to tie the knot. With all the threats staring in the face of marriage, most of us are expected to marry.

In the final analysis, if all young men and women decide to remain single, the human race will soon become a threatened species. However,there is a natural urge for men and women to merge! It is a salutary sign that even confirmed bachelors and spinsters have a desire to marry at least in their middle or old age. Although the shifting social trends are a real threat to marriage, it will survive the onslaughts as long as human beings inhabit the planet.