The Role of Marriage and Family Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 2218 words ( 7 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 7

Page 1 of 7

Marriage

Interpretation of marriage

Marriage is defined in many ways depending place, culture, and religion. There have been transformations in the institution of marriage over time. The institution has reflected the moral perceptions among people in the world. Conservatively, marriage is defined as the union between two consenting adults of the opposite gender that is meant to last for their entire lives. This definition has key points worth noting. One such is the issue of age. In the definition, it is strictly stated that people entering into a marriage agreement must have attained the age of majority. In some countries, this age is fixed at eighteen years while in some others fixed at sixteen years. There is also the other provision of gender, stating that the adults must be of the opposite sex. Lastly, it is worth noting that this conservative definition has mentioned an issue of consent. Both parties must be willing to get married: forced marriages are discouraged. Such is the definition that has the backing of most religious faiths.

Culturally, marriage the institution of two people who have an agreement to share their lives, have children and be there for each other for the remaining part of their lives. It is an agreement that is meant to last for all the time that the two people will wish. This means that if it comes to a time when both desire to terminate it, they will do so. This explains the concept of divorce as an avenue for rethinking one's stand on marriage. Most traditional and religious provisions on marriage do not give room for divorce (Carter & Glick, 2008). On divorce, most religious beliefs term it immoral and unacceptable. In modern days, the divorce rate is on the rise hence making people rethink on the strictness of the cultural provisions on marriage.

Types of marriage

There are different types of marriages often determined and originating from the kind of arrangements between couples. The most common one is the conservative arrangement where an adult man and woman agree to come together in a union. This is the most advocated since its logic is drawn from religion, culture and science. A union between a woman and a man is potential and viable to produce children. In such a union, it is important to note that agreements are formalized and on many occasions ceremonies done to mark it. Secondly, an arrangement can be made between man and woman to stay together for some time as they consider getting married. On loose terms, this can be described as an experimental marriage. It happens mostly among those people in love and feels too young to get married (Davidson & Moore, 2012).

There is no recognition in law for such kind of marriage up to a certain point. In most countries, when people stay together in a mock marriage like this for six months, they will automatically be deemed, husband and wife. Other marriages that have come out of late are against the initial cultural and religious dictums. These are the same sex marriages. It is currently common to find men marrying each other just like women. Same-sex marriage has received constitutional approval in some progressive societies such as the United States of America. In such regard, there are increasing numbers of people deviating from the normal ways of life and championing new ones. The only common thing in all these marriages is of age and consent. Even in the informal marriages, no one is forced to join them as well. It is also a violation of the law to engage a minor in all these marriages (Kornfeld, Waters, & Furgang, 2013).

The Correct Marriage

Marriage unions differ according to beliefs, cultures, and practices championed by the people. However, an ideal marriage is that between a woman and a man. Its arrangement is backed by logic and science other than the religious and cultural beliefs behind it. The kind of marriage between males and females is the only one that can lead to the birth of children. Procreation is a fundamental role of any species on earth. Sustainability of life is through new ones being born (Ferrier, 2013). In the same-sex marriage, this cardinal responsibility is jeopardized. Relationships happen through the agreement by people to extend their existence on earth, and thus, procreation is inevitable (Kornfeld, Waters, & Furgang, 2013).

Marriage can occur out of circumstances that are considered inevitable. The inevitability might not be in law but the human psyche.

Stuck Writing Your "The Role of Marriage and Family" Essay?

View All Our Example The Role of Marriage and Family Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

One such circumstance is a partner in a love relationship falls pregnant. From a psychological perspective, many people will never want to be detached from their children. In such a situation, the partners are compelled to get married. A good number of marriages have happened in this case. Others get married out of the fear of getting too old and an ideal person, not on sight. These two make the most common marriages of convenience. The presence of a condition that compels one out of his or her wish to get married is considered an inevitable reason. Marriages that are formed from such circumstances are always bound to receive problems (Foran, 2010). It will be hard for people who did not think of sharing their lives forever to find themselves in such a situation. Those that consider such avenues when establishing their marriage lives have slim chances of being successful at it. In real interpretation, the condition of concept will have been compromised, despite an outright expression of commitment from both parties.

It is also a common phenomenon to find students in marriage. Students in institutions of higher learning have the ability to get married given their age. They are at an age that is convenient for them to settle down in marriages. In this arrangement, there is a possibility of people being taken to task over what kind of marriage to be. In normalized marriages involving students, a compelling force will have driven them to get married. Most importantly, this compelling factor is seen as a negative force that could have been avoided such as unplanned pregnancies. When this happens, the parties have little option but to get married (Carter & Glick, 2008). Marriages involving people who are of such a tender age cannot last unless the compelling force was genuine. The kind of life they will go through will most likely not be the one they had planned to live. In such a case, it is always advisable to counsel to understand what to expect when in the marriage (Peterson & Bush, 2013). Mentorship is essential in ensuring that they follow whatever is required of them. Students who end up being parents while still in school will experience an altered life as they go ahead with their studies.

Divorce rates are on the rise in modern days. This can be attributed to too many liberties, which have been advocated by civil groups. As a union of compromises, marriage requires tolerance and respect for order. Both parties have to agree on responsibilities to fulfill and one has to act the head. Where such order is not upheld, divorce is the next likely thing to happen. Despite the fact that divorce rates are high, many young people are still optimistic that they will have successful marriages. This is attributed to the many good promises that marriage pose. The institution is an attractive institution to those who are yet to have it.

Part B

An interview is conducted on Mrs. Wright, a middle-aged lady who works as a high school teacher. Mrs. In this interview, questions relating to her middle age life and her thoughts about old age is asked. About what she has done in life, questions that touch on her career and family are also asked.

On the question relating to physical health, Mrs. Wright discloses that she values being physically fit by walking out and eating healthy. She attributes her decision to remain healthy to the available information on the hazards of physical fitness. She also notes that she has a compelling force to perfect her physical health because she is a woman and wants to remain beautiful. Her self-consciousness about being attractive is a reflection of the kind of society she lives. The society she lives emphasizes on physical appearance. As a teacher, she also wants to have the strength to teach. Health is thus her main motivation for attempting to be physically fit.

A question touching on her love life and family was also asked. She disclosed that she wishes to have a successful marriage and thus is working hard to fulfill her part of the bargain. She insists on having her emotional life placed on the check (Carter & Glick, 2008). She charges this on the stability of a love relationship she enjoys with her husband. Most importantly, she attributes her happiness as a woman to the entire family setup she has with her husband and children (Peterson &.....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Role Of Marriage And Family" (2016, April 02) Retrieved May 4, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/role-marriage-family-2160104

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Role Of Marriage And Family" 02 April 2016. Web.4 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/role-marriage-family-2160104>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Role Of Marriage And Family", 02 April 2016, Accessed.4 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/role-marriage-family-2160104
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example