Journal topic:How the institution of marriage has changed for modern society - Essay Example

Journal Topic: of Marriage Fifty years ago, marriage was regarded as one of the most sacred unions possible for a man and a woman to obtain. Fifty years later, marriage is almost unrecognizable from what it used to be. As the beliefs and ideals of people have changed, so has the institution of marriage. Some of the ways in which the institution of marriage has changed for modern society include the reasons that people are getting married, the reasons they are not getting married, and the people being able to get married.

People used to get married to one another simply because they loved each other. They wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. While this still holds true, a lot of marriages are being undergone because of unplanned pregnancies, especially between the younger couples. It is also because of this reason that people are younger than ever when they get married. Marriage has become to be more of a chore or an expectancy than something that is decided upon by two people that are in love with each other.

Pregnant teenage couples are too young to understand the type of commitment found in marriages, but still decide to at least make the attempt for the sake of their child. Similarly, fewer people are marrying because they do not want the commitment. Many couples are content with either staying in basic relationships or remaining engaged for many years because they believe it requires less than actual marriage. Furthermore, they also feel that they could avoid making the same mistakes as their parents, relatives, or friends if they do not get involved with marriage.

Instead, they stay in their relationships and, more often than not, live together as though they were married. Many of these couples often go on to make a family together and live happily as such for many years. After so long, they feel that marriage would ruin what they have already created. Another reason fewer people are getting married is because of how expensive can be; it is not something that everyone can afford during the recession. It all comes down to the fact that marriage seems to be a little too complicated for many people.

The people getting married is perhaps the biggest change for modern society. What used to be reserved for a couple consisting of a male and female is now being sought, and approved for, by couples consisting of men or couples consisting of women. Beliefs have been evolving with time, and even though there are many people that do not agree with it, gay couples are finding themselves able to be married, or else united in a domestic partnership. Years ago, this concept would not even be thought of let alone brought up for discussion or consideration.

Many states are making it easier than ever for couples of any gender to be lawfully united. Even though a lot has changed in the institution of marriage, it all comes down to two people wanting to live and share life with one another, their specific reasons for doing so set aside. Some people may decide to get married for reasons other than just love, but they are willing to work life out together. There are others that would rather not get married, feeling that their relationship is perfect just as it is.

Finally, there are those that have found that they can be married regardless of their gender.