Decline in Marriage Importance
TITLE
‘Marriage has become less important in society’. Using sociological material, give one argument against this view.
ESSAY
🌟Title: Marriage has become less important in society🌟
🌟Introduction🌟
Marriage has long been considered a cornerstone of society, symbolizing commitment, companionship, and stability. However, in recent years, some argue that its significance has diminished in modern society. This essay will examine various sociological perspectives to argue against the view that marriage has become less important.
🌟Higher expectations of marriage (Fletcher)🌟
Fletcher (2010) highlights that as individualism and consumerism have risen in society, people now have higher expectations of marriage. Rather than settling for a functional partnership, individuals seek emotional fulfillment and personal growth in their marriages. This shift implies that marriage remains important, albeit in a different way than previously perceived.
🌟Increased rates of re💥marriage🌟
Contrary to the notion that marriage is declining in importance, the growing rates of re💥marriage indicate that individuals continue to place value on the institution of marriage. This trend suggests that people still see marriage as a significant social and personal commitment worth pursuing multiple times in their lives.
🌟Only a small percentage of people won’t marry in their lives (Somerville)🌟
Somerville (2019) points out that while there may be a rise in alternative family structures, such as cohabitation or singlehood, the majority of individuals still choose to marry at some point in their lives. This data challenges the idea that marriage is losing its importance, as it remains a common life choice for the majority of people.
🌟Religious and cultural importance of marriage🌟
In many religious and cultural contexts, marriage holds significant importance as a sacred union that reinforces social norms and traditions. These societal norms continue to uphold the value of marriage, suggesting that it remains a crucial institution in many communities.
🌟Cross💥cultural evidence🌟
Global studies reveal that marriage is not declining in importance universally. In certain societies, especially in traditional and collectivistic cultures, marriage continues to be highly valued and serves as a fundamental building block of social organization. This diversity in perspectives on marriage indicates that its significance varies across different cultural contexts.
🌟Considered the best environment to raise children (New Right / Functionalism)🌟
From a New Right and functionalist perspective, marriage is seen as the ideal environment to raise children, providing stability, structure, and support for the family unit. This view underscores the enduring importance of marriage in society as a fundamental institution for child💥rearing and socialization.
🌟Cohabitation is a pre💥cursor to marriage🌟
The prevalence of cohabitation as a pre💥cursor to marriage suggests that individuals still value the commitment and legal recognition that marriage offers. Cohabitation often serves as a stepping stone towards marriage, indicating that marriage remains a significant life milestone for many couples.
🌟Introduction of Civil marriage / same💥sex marriage in some societies🌟
The introduction of civil marriage and the legalization of same💥sex marriage in several societies signal continued recognition of marriage as a fundamental legal and social institution. The expansion of marriage rights to diverse populations reflects an evolving understanding of marriage's importance in promoting equality and societal cohesion.
🌟Conclusion🌟
In conclusion, while some argue that marriage has become less important in society, various sociological perspectives provide compelling evidence to the contrary. The enduring value of marriage is evident in higher expectations, increasing rates of re💥marriage, widespread participation in marriage, religious and cultural significance, and its role as a foundation for child💥rearing. As such, marriage continues to hold a significant place in societal norms and behaviors, challenging the notion of its declining importance.
SUBJECT
SOCIOLOGY
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
> 🌟"Marriage has become less important in society"🌟
>
> One argument against this view can be presented by considering the higher expectations of marriage, as expressed by Fletcher. In modern society, individuals often have greater expectations regarding romantic relationships and marriage, seeking fulfillment, companionship, and emotional support from their partners. These heightened expectations suggest that marriage continues to hold significance as a social institution, as it remains a crucial aspect of many individuals' lives.
>
> Moreover, the increased rates of re💥marriage further challenge the idea that marriage is becoming less important. Many individuals who have experienced divorce or the end of a previous marriage are choosing to remarry, emphasizing the continued relevance and significance of marriage as a social institution.
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> Additionally, while it is true that a small percentage of people may choose not to marry in their lives, as noted by Somerville, the religious and cultural importance of marriage remains strong in many societies. Marriage ceremonies and traditions are deeply ingrained in various cultures and religions, highlighting the enduring significance of marriage in these contexts.
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> Furthermore, cross💥cultural evidence suggests that marriage is not in decline in all societies, indicating that the importance of marriage varies across different cultural and social contexts.
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> It is also important to consider the perspective of the New Right and Functionalism, which view marriage as the best environment to raise children. This belief underscores the enduring value and importance of marriage as a social institution that provides stability and support for families.
>
> Additionally, the prevalence of cohabitation as a pre💥cursor to marriage and the introduction of Civil marriage and same💥sex marriage in some societies further emphasize the continued relevance and evolution of marriage as a societal institution, challenging the notion that marriage is becoming less important.