SABRINA MIRON Marriage

Thesis Unlike past views of marriage, marriage is when a man and a woman are in love and agree to support one another until the day they leave this Earth.

History of Marriage 1600  Very little to do with love  Primarily an economic arrangement  Negotiated between families  Status  Future economic stability  Prosperity 1995  “Love Revolution”  Primary purpose of marriage to be a commitment Emotional & psychological support

What is marriage? “Legal union between a man and a woman based on mutual rights and obligations”  Wife  Husband ‘For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health until death do them part’ Family of procreation Children  Family name  Family of orientation Social Legal Interracial marriages

Important aspects of Marriage Engagement Marriage ceremony  Different cultures and religions

Statistics 40% of people think marriage is obsolete 70% of Americans have been married While two-thirds of all people think a man should be a good provider, more men than women do. Meanwhile, almost a third of people think it's important for a wife to be a good provider too. Half or more of the respondents in the Pew poll say that marital status is irrelevant to achieving respect, happiness, career goals, financial security or a fulfilling sex life. When it comes to raising kids, though, it's a landslide, with more than three-quarters saying it's best done married. To this day, only 6% of American children have parents who live together without being married.

Marry similar people  Social Class  Race  Education level

So what does society think of marriage?

Marriage Survey 6 multiple choice 2 short answer 24 participants  Adult males and females  Teenage males and females

Survey

What is marriage? A commitment between two people who are in love  24/24 participants A way to bind two people financially  3/25 participants A way to make raising children easier and more efficient  1/24 participants

Do you believe a majority of people marry because of their children or an unexpected pregnancy? Yes  3/24 participants No  21/24 participants

Most people wait to get married until “they can afford it.” True  5/24 participants False  19/24 participants

The most important element of marriage is… Love  14/24 participants Trust  15/24 participants Sticking together to get by in life  6/24 participants Communication  16/24 participants Other: Friendship

I enjoy being married (or if not married, want to be married someday.) Yes  22/24 participants No  2/24 participants  Do not want to be married

Can you live a fulfilling life if you are not married? Yes  23/24 participants No  1/24 participants

What is your favorite part of your marriage or what are you looking forward to experiencing in a marriage? Spending time together Common interests Stand by you for the good and bad Building a life together Children Being loved Sharing Someone to talk to Partnership Being with them for as long as I live Living with my best friend Two pay checks Close and emotional relationship Support Someone to confide in Getting sandwiches EVERYTHING