Class Conversation 1--The State of Our Unions: Exploring Marriage in America - Essay Example

Exploring Marriage in America al Affiliation Exploring Marriage in America Marriage is a legal union incorporating a man and woman that commits them together as husband and wife. There are, however, some jurisdictions that allow the commitment of two people of the same sex. In other words, it is the mental and physical union of two souls that brings substance and stability to the incomplete human relationships. Marriage gives a stable environment for children to grow, and shields individuals from sexual immorality.

It is obvious that the concept and institution of marriage are collapsing. The divorce rates are increasing year after year, and even the successful marriages are limited to a few years. With the current average length of unions being eight years, it is evident that marriage has lost meaning (Lamanna & Riedmann, 2012). For instance, my older cousin was married but divorced before the end of the third year. Additionally, the number of cohabiting couples is on the rise while those who divorce their partners never think of remarrying again.

I think marriage remains a noble institution in the society in spite of its reducing popularity. For the couples who mean it, marriage goes beyond just being a piece of paper. It is the union of minds and hearts, the foundation of families that make up the society (Lamanna & Riedmann 2012). I concur with Cootnz that expectations for intimacy and love has overtaken the concept of marriage. Unlike years ago when women would enter into marriage seeking for financial stability, they are now educated and have jobs.

Their only need for men is to provide love and meet their intimacy expectations. Men also do not want commitments that come with marriage (Lamanna & Riedmann 2012). It is true the individualized marriage premise has destabilized marriage because the individuals are only after intimacy. Although some people can argue that advantages such as self-development and flexible roles contribute to stability, it is inevitable that disagreements will arise at some point in the marriage.ReferencesLamanna, M.

, & Riedmann, A. (2012). Marriages, families, and relationships: Making choices in a diverse society (11th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.