Abstract This paper explores how the modern individual's needs in the marriagerelationship are met. It demonstrates how marriage has grown from a traditional institution governed by rigid roles for husbands and wives, to a loosely defined partnership for companionship and growth. It also exhibits how the freedoms of our society place strains on marriages.
From the Paper "Marriage in the twentieth century has grown from a traditional institution governed by rigid roles for husbands and wives, to a loosely defined partnership for companionship and growth. As freedom in marriage roles expand, more is expected from marriage. Often husbands and wives are expected to have successful professions, be wonderful and involved parents, have a healthy and robust sex life, be each other's best friends, foster each other's spiritual growth, and still have time for separate activities and the community. And this is to be maintained over a life time! With expectations so high, with marriage "supposed" to be fulfilling so many needs, it's no wonder that the divorce rate is also high. The reality is bound to be a let down."
Abstract In this paper the author looks at the negatives aspects as he sees it, of same-sex couples getting together in marriage. He examines the implications of same-sex marriages on society and what it will mean, such as, legitimizing same sexual activity, joint tax benefits and many other day to day issues that will help them. The author looks at all of the negative sides of allowing homosexual marriages and urges the reader to help stop them by taking firm legislative action. He mentions many of the laws that have been passed and, are in the pipeline to prevent homosexual marriages. The paper then goes on to discuss what legalized homosexual marriages would do to the public school system and the societal effects that could result from it in public health education within the school system. In conclusion the author again points out that it is not fair for same sex marriages to reap all of the benefits of regular marriages.
From the Paper "Legalizing same-sex "marriage" and/or domestic partnerships would in essence normalize homosexuality in the public school system. Why? Compulsory education forces all children to attend school. Public schools require children to take health education courses. If same-sex "marriages" or domestic partnerships were to become a reality; children would be taught in these health classes, as well as in marriage/family elective courses, that homosexual relationships are the equivalent of heterosexual relationships. Because teachers are authority figures, children would be more likely to accept homosexual relationships as normal. Of course, once junior and high schools teach that homosexuality is normal and natural, it's only logical that younger students would be subjected to the same propaganda."
Abstract In this article, the meaning of the institution of marriage is discussed. The writer looks at the place of same-sex marriage in society. In this paper, same-sex marriage is primarily discussed from a conservative religious perspective. The views and outlook of supports of the concept of same-sex marriage is also described and critiqued. Although the gay and lesbian movement consider the prohibition of same-sex marriages to be discrimination, the writer views the position of marriage as a moral and religious institution.
From the Paper "In recent years the legalization of same-sex marriages has become an increasingly controversial issue that pits the gay and lesbian movement against religious conservatives. According to the gay and lesbian movement, the prohibition of same-sex marriages constitutes social oppression and discrimination. This paper however takes the position, adopted by the religious conservative movement. Marriage is a religious and moral institution that is confined to a monogamous relationship between a man and woman. Derived from the religious scriptures ... "
Abstract This paper explains that social organization is the result of the interplay between interpersonal relationships, language, behavior, and societal norms. It looks at how social organization arises from interactions and human relationships. Society and culture are more the products of social factors than environmental ones. The writer concludes that the manner in which humans interact and organize their life is contingent upon their relationships.
From the Paper "Regardless of ones philosophy of culture or definition of society, one must acknowledge that man is ever changing and a creature that requires interaction and formation of complex relationships to survive. Society evolves in part as a result of the social interactions and relationships that man creates and forms during the course of a lifetime. Social organizations occur likewise as a result of human interaction and the means by which individuals within a given society organize their lives and establish some sort of order."
Abstract Gay and lesbian marriage has become a controversial debate in contemporary society. There are heated arguments for and against the legalization of marriage between couples of the same sex. This paper explains that the underlying assumption for those in favor of gay marriages is that the central aspects of love, relationship, and understanding should override all other issues. However, this paper argues that the situation is not quite that simple. There are numerous factors that militate against the acceptance of gay marriage as an institution in modern society. The paper points out that gay marriages have the potential to create serious problems with regard to a range of very important social and cultural issues that make marriages of this nature untenable in modern society.
From the Paper "The argument that I wish to propose is not based on any of these perceptions or views. The central argument against the institution of gay and lesbian marriage has nothing to do with assumptions and judgments about homosexuality, and neither do I wish to deprive people of their intrinsic and inalienable democratic rights. Rather the objection to same-sex marriage is simply based on the fact that it contributes to the downfall of society; more particularly the institution of the family - the foundation of society - and subsequently will impact negatively on the development of children within the society. Therefore, the argument against gay marriage that I propose is based purely on practical and societal considerations."
Abstract This paper discusses two articles that both deal with the interrelationships between domestic relationships and the broader society: :"Marriage: Then and Now" by Stephanie Coontz and "Family Responsibilities: The Politics of Love and Care" by Meg Luxton. The paper explains that Coontz supplies the reader with an interesting account of the history of marriage, showing how it has changed according to dominant social and historical trends. The paper then points out that Luxton shows how neoliberal capitalist policies have impacted family relationships and that the assumption that families must be self-reliant, and independent of the capitalist economy, dates back to 18th century liberalism. The writer concludes that both of these articles are written from a starting point of love and caring and both have an underlying agenda of promoting the greatest possible amount of individual and family happiness within the realities of our current society. The writer also believes that both articles provide useful insights into social realities, and constructive suggestions that can increase the happiness of many relationships.
From the Paper "The underlying assumption of Coontz's article is that marriage is one of the many mechanisms of our society - it will thus change according to various social demands made on it. She does not appear to see any malevolent forces at work in this - marriage is simply an inanimate institution whose functions grow or contract depending on the pressures brought to bear on it. By contrast, Luxton's article does seem to pinpoint some malevolent forces at work. She blames what she calls the neoliberal agenda for the reduced role that the state is playing in fulfilling social responsibilities. Thanks to neoliberalism. She believes that the well-being of families has become subordinate to the well-being of business."
Tags: Neoliberalism, love, family, happiness, care
Abstract This paper discusses the basic social institution of marriage and compares it to other long-standing relationships. The paper reviews literature that discusses the attempts to reduce marriage to only one among many forms of recognized and legalized relationships. It discusses the findings of these papers and the implications of these views for society.
From the Paper "These major trends in law appear to be attempts to channel public law into an entirely new and authoritative framework "beyond conjugality (Cere 2000)." If they managed to make marriage as only one of many equally valid forms of close relationships, any kind of close relationship could be legally recognized and deserving of social support. The observation was that, recently, the most controversial subject in marriage law was not gay marriage but polyamory. Polymory is distinguished from polygamy. Polygamy means many marriages and polymory means many loves. A polyamorous relationship could consist in multiple-partner sexual relationships, whether in marriage or not. Advocates of polyamory advanced "ethical non-monogamy," which involved more than one person in an open, communicative and honest way. These advocates pushed for liberal religious traditions to recognize multiple-partner marriage (Cere)."
This paper uses three different literary works, Anton Chekhov's ?The Lady with the Pet Dog," Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" and Leo Tolstoy's ?The Death of Ivan Ilyich," to discuss the role that marriage plays in society.
Abstract This paper examines the role that marriage plays in society, both past and present. The author uses three different literary works, "The Lady with the Pet Dog," "Hedda Gabler" and "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" to illustrate how marriage has maintained itself as an institution of society over the years. The main characters in these three stories demonstrate how societal pressures often lead people to marry for the wrong reasons and how loveless, or meaningless marriages often occur for different reasons. Hedda is forced to marry because she is a woman, Ilyich marries only because society expects him to take a wife and Gurov finds himself in a loveless marriage that leads him to an affair and his finding true love. The author uses these characters to send the message that marriage without thought can often have serious consequences that destroy lives.
From the Paper "In the play Hedda Gabler, Henrik Ibsen also makes a comment on the institution of marriage in society. Just as in ?The Death of Ivan Ilyich,? marriage is a requirement of society and something people must accept. Ibsen offers his views on the implications of this by focusing on the impact on the woman in the marriage. It is noted that the woman has the least control in a marriage, the woman being seen as inferior and powerless to the man. The main character, Hedda Gabler, is aware of this, with the play being her story of how she reacts to these controls. Hedda is a female with a character that is difficult to contain. She is not the character who accepts restrictions placed upon her, but is fiercely independent. The fact that she has no choice but to accept marriage shows just how certain the role of women is in society."
Abstract This paper examines how interracial marriage is one of the most misunderstood social institutions and how it is the sheer burden of prejudice and myths attached to it that has weakened its foundations. It discusses how the reason interracial marriages are more likely to fail than same-race relationships is because of social biases and staunch resistance that the latter has to counter. It also shows how, while the ingredients of love and understanding are as important for success in such unions as in any other relationship, it is ultimately the society that holds the most vital key.
From the Paper "Every relationship regardless of the racial origin of the couple is rather shaky in the beginning because of high degree of expectations attached and millions of eyes monitoring every movement and development. Under such pressure, even an ordinary relationship goes through its fair share of hiccups so it is only natural that an unconventional relationship collapses more easily. In the case of the former, however parents, friends and the whole society is willing to cooperate and thus provide a nurturing environment to make the marriage successful. However in the case of interracial relationships, society refrains from extending a helping hand because of ?I told you so...? attitude."
Abstract This paper discusses the failed marriage in Kate Chopin's story, "The Awakening". The paper looks at the relationship of Edna and her husband, Mr. Pontellier, in the story and attributes the dissolution of the marriage to Edna's uncaring husband, the fact that Edna was not a family woman nor a motherly type and the pressure placed upon her from her family and society. The paper also blames Edna's extramarital affairs and asserts that her depressed state of mind was perhaps the largest contributor to her failed marriage.
From the Paper "Marriages fall apart for thousands of reasons. In Kate Chopin's story, "The Awakening," we see some very basic reasons for why marriages break down. Edna becomes an individual that women from around the world can learn from because she represents the independent woman in search of herself. There ae several forces at work that add to the breakdown of Edna's marriage. Edna's husband and their marriage itself are partially responsible for the dissolution of the marriage. Edna was simply not the marrying type. Edna's family and the pressure they place upon her is also a cause in the ending of her marriage. Other factors are the relationship that Edna has with other men while she is married. Edna's state of mind is perhaps the largest contributor to her marriage failing. Edna has too many negative forces encroaching on her and, with no way out, her marriage fails completely."
A study into the history and reasons of inter-racial marriages between African-Americans and white Americans and the influences these unions have on children born into these marriages.
Abstract An examination of the issue of marriage between blacks and whites since the days of slavery. In the past, these unions were usually master over slave or illicit affairs. With these relationships etched into the psyche of inter-racial marriages today, there are obvious barriers to overcome with regards to children born into these marriages and society's acceptance. This paper studies the reasons why these relationships occur despite the barriers and their results.
From the Paper "For a variety of reasons having to do with lack of self esteem blacks may seek marriage with whites. From the white perspective, stereotyping pervades the search of some for black partners. A white woman might seek an African American man for his fabled libido and larger sized penis and white men may reach out to stereotyped black mammies with ample bosoms, buttocks and lips which signify the warm embracing passion they seek. This sort of stereotyping may appeal to the needy egos of African Americans with little self respect. Being with a white to whom they represent something that can't be found among their own race may offer a boost to low self esteem. Also, pervasive negative connotations of the word "black" conveying meanings of evil, shadiness, mistrust, and badness may lead African Americans who identify themselves with these dark concepts, to attempt to move toward the light by marrying whites."
Abstract The paper looks at Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" and Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll House" and shows how the relationship between the couples in these works are molded by the society that surrounds them. The paper describes how Hansberry's Walter and Ibsen's Nora face difficult situations that force them to realize that their relationships are not all that they could or should be.
From the Paper "Marriages can often be defined by the era in which they are created. Men and women find that their relationships are molded around societal institutions and traditional conventions of their time. Two plays that illustrate this notion are Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun and Henrik Ibsen's A Doll House. The couples in these plays demonstrate how marriage can be defined by the so-called rules of society. Ruth and Walter are severely affected by their society and Nora realizes that she does not have to be the doting wife that her society and Torvald expect."
Abstract This paper examines how Anne Bronte's "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" depicts the marriage of Helen and Arthur Huntingdon, and how Arthur's negative lifestyle impacts their marriage. The paper relates that the marriage of Arthur and Helen Huntingdon depicts a lot about how men acted towards marriage in the 1800 Victorian society. The paper also explains that the novel does not follow the cultural norm exactly, but Bronte wrote it that way intentionally in order to shed light on what was happening behind closed doors in relationships.
From the Paper "During, and even before, their courtship, Helen speaks of Arthur Huntingdon as though he is a magnificent man without any flaws whatsoever. She tells her Aunt Maxwell, "He is a much better man than you think of him" (Bronte 140), determined to prove to others that he is the perfect man for her to marry, despite any thoughts they may have about Mr. Huntingdon. Even though Helen tries to convince others he is a great man for marriage, she somewhat has to convince herself at the same time. In what looks like a criminal interrogation between Helen and her aunt, Helen begins to doubt whether or not Arthur is as good a man as she defends him to be; "Is he a good man?" her aunt asks her, "Yes - in some respects," Helen replies. "Is he a man of principle?" she asks Helen, "Perhaps not, exactly," Helen states (Bronte 140), showing that even Helen does not truly believe herself when she describes how good a man Mr. Huntingdon really is. "
Abstract This paper analyzes the factors involved in the moral justifications of marriage, remarriage and divorce, providing Old Testament support and synthesizing the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The paper argues that certain criteria need to be met in order to justify actions involved in marriage, remarriage and divorce, paying close attention to the supporting scriptural contexts. The paper discusses how a synthesis of both the Old Testament and New Testament are necessary in formulating common denominators in examining the state of marriage in modern society, rather than narrow observations of single verses.
From the Paper "Contemporary Christian thought on marriage has been a heated topic of debate in the 21st century. Due to a rise in divorce rates, and the Catholic Church's silence on marriage, remarriage and divorce, the factors in analyzing the justification for each of these elements has been blurred (Kostenburger and Jones 2004, 25). Historically, interpretation of divorce and marriage has relied upon the moral principles outlined in the bible. However the question arises as to which scriptures provide an accurate interpretation to today's society, as both the Old and New Testament reference the issue. The difficulty of the marriage debate in contemporary society is due to the lack of education and a set of principles in which to follow."
Discusses the legal and social restrictions, historical overview, statistics, impact of integration on interracial marriage, socioeconomics, gender alignments and children of these relationships.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, 1999, $ 63.95
Abstract "Interracial marriage between Black and White Americans does not make up a very large percentage of the total number of marriages in the United States. But the impact of the these marriages on society--as well as on the participants and, especially, their children--is much greater than numbers might suggest.
From the Paper "Interracial marriage between Black and White Americans does not make up a very large percentage of the total number of marriages in the United States. But the impact of the these marriages on society--as well as on the participants and, especially, their children--is much greater than numbers might suggest. The level of racism in America--which is largely responsible for the small number of Black-White marriages in the first place--has declined considerably in recent decades. But racism persists at outrageous levels and the children of interracial marriages will suffer from it no less than the children of African-American families. A discussion of the effects of interracial marriage on children will follow a brief description of the state of interracial marriage in America; including a summary of forces that worked against it in the past,..."
