1. The Foundation of Family Well-Being
Marriage & the Family
The Foundation of Family Well-Being

2. Theories of Attraction
Why are we attracted to some people and not to others?  In
theory we have the freedom of choice as to who we choose
as our partner.  In reality, our choices are limited by
Where we live
The people we know
Our socio-economic background
And other influences that may not be as obvious.
Sociologists explain many relationships based on theories.  We will examine 5 theories of why individuals are attracted to other people.

3. Social Homogamy Theory
Theory based on the idea that “like attracts like.”
People tend to choose a partner who is more alike than different from themselves.
Often from the same race, religion, or culture.
They will often enjoy doing the same kinds of things which is often how they meet.
They often have similar role expectations.

4. Complimentary Needs Theory
Theory states that people choose a partner
who compliments (or completes) and meets
their own personal needs. 
Each person’s strength’s help balance the traits of the other.
For example, a shy person may be attracted to an outgoing person.
Considered to be a “Balancing motive”.

5. Ideal Mate Theory
Most people have a preconceived image of what their ideal partner
should be like. 
This image is based on physical appearance, personality characteristics or other traits.
It may also be based on characteristics of one’s own parents ( a woman may look for a man who is like her father).
This image may also develop over dating experiences, “I know what I don’t want!”

6. Social Exchange Theory
People may consider the qualities
they want in a partner and what
they have to offer in return. 
These qualities may be personal, material, appearance, intelligence, or services.
A partner is selected as someone who brings the best of these qualities at the smallest cost.
For example, a successful business man may look for a wife who will be attractive and keep a successful home and meet social requirements as he progresses through his career.

7. Propinquity Theory People are more likely to meet and know people who
are physically nearby.
Same city or same college provides an opportunity to meet.
Long-distance relationships are costly and difficult to keep going, although with global travel and the Internet more accessible now, these relationships are becoming easier to establish and sustain.

8. Marriage Canada has CIVIL marriage…this means
that marriage is governed and controlled by
the federal government under the Civil
Marriages Act (2005).
The rules are made by the federal
government, but they are administered by
each province.

9. Marriage Law The Civil Marriage Act came into effect on July 20, 2005.
Canada became the fourth country to legislate same-sex marriage with:
Netherlands (2001)
Belgium (2003)
Spain (2005).

10. Who Can Get Married? Anyone over 19.
Anyone under 19 years with consent of both parents.
Under the age of 16 years with permission of the Court.
Someone who is divorces with a final proof of divorce.
Someone who is widowed with proof of death document.

11. Applying for a Marriage License
The Solemnization of Marriage Act requires that you obtain a marriage license before getting married in Nova Scotia.
The license does not mean that you are married, but that you may get married.
Expires one year from date of issuance.

12. Applying for a Marriage License
Only one member of the couple needs to apply for the license
You must provide a signed piece of identification and proof of age for both parties.
The fee for a marriage license is $121.78
There is a five day waiting period between the day of application for the license and the date of issuance.

13. The Marriage Ceremony
In Nova Scotia, couples can choose a religious or civil ceremony.
Either type of ceremony must be witnessed by two people who are at least 16 years of age.
Religious ceremonies are performed by a religious representative of your choice, as long as they are registered with Nova Scotia Vital Statistics under the Solemnization of Marriage Act.
Civil ceremonies are performed by a Justice of the Peace or Judge. The list of Justices of the Peace is available from the Department of Justice website.

14. Registering the Marriage
The religious representative or Justice of the Peace or Judge who performs the ceremony will also help to complete the necessary Marriage Registration Form.
Must be sent in within 48 hours by the officiant to Vital Statistics where the marriage is registered and a legal record is kept.
The certificate you sign during the ceremony is a "memento" document, and NOT legal proof of marriage.
An official Marriage Certificate is legal proof of marriage and must be requested.

15. Common Law Marriage
There is no such thing as common law marriage in any province in Canada. No matter how long you live with your common law partner, you will never be considered married for legal purposes.

16. So what is Common Law?
Two people, who are not married, live together in a 'marriage-like' relationship.
Every law has its own definition for what qualifies as a common-law relationship.
You cannot file an application to become ‘common-law,’
You do not have to go through a formal court process when you separate from your common-law partner to be considered separated.
You cannot get divorced.

17. More on Common Law
Common-law couples do not have the same rights and obligations as married couples under the law relating to property, debts and pensions.
Rights and obligations around parenting and supporting children are similar to those of married couples.

18. Common Law & Children
You have the same rights and obligations toward your children REGARDLESS of the type of relationship you were in.
What the rights and obligations are for your specific situation will always depend on the circumstances.

19. Pros & Cons? What are the Pros and Cons for Marriage vs. Common Law?
Which one would you choose and why?

20. Ancient Hebrew Characteristics / Traditions
Similarities to Current Traditions
Exchanging of gifts.
Betrothal: promise rings, engagements.
Protection of women’s rights in the marriage.
Differences from Current Traditions
Not arranged
No dowries.
Sibling and spouse…faux pas
One interesting or surprising thing
Sister’s filling in for deceased wives.
Characteristics / Traditions
Arranged.
Bride Price
Dowry: set up home
Betrothal
Dower rights for woman
Marriage Contract: Women obey and bear sons.
Sister could replace a deceased wife.
Brother of a deceased man had to marry his wife to support his brothers children.
Primarily economic relationship…family wealth and creation of more children to contribute to the family economy.

21. Ancient Rome Characteristics / Traditions
Patriarchal…changes over time due to war…men are away.
Economic arrangement
Monogamous
Similarities to Current Traditions
Monogamous
Divorces
Remarriage
Christian…religious
Married several times over a lifetime
Differences from Current Traditions
LOVE marriage
One interesting or surprising thing
Marriage a way to attain economic and political advantage/

22. Middle Ages Characteristics / Traditions
Informal, loosely organized and casually enforced.
Begins to be regulated by Christian church.
Minimum age 14 (M) 12 (F).
Delayed marriage after betrothal to ensure both parties entered the marriage willingly.
Regulations
Similarities to Current Traditions
Engagement period of time
Regulations
Minimum ages
Differences from Current Traditions
Different minimum ages.
One interesting or surprising thing
Minimum age 14 (M) 12 (F).

23. Protestant Reformation
Characteristics / Traditions
Divorce becomes more liberal
Family being more important than chastity.
Increasingly love marriages
Free-choice
Similarities to Current Traditions
Most
Differences from Current Traditions
Husbands had power over wife
Rules / laws about marrying in your family.
Social class
One interesting or surprising thing
Incest

24. First Nations Characteristics / Traditions
Matriarchal.
Men hunted
Women domestic chores…gathering, etc.
After a child was born
Arranged
Gender Roles
Male Authority
Similarities to Current Traditions
Men make the bacon…women cook it…sometimes.
Gender roles exist
Differences from Current Traditions
Matriarchal vs. Patriarchal
Women now work outside home
Marriage before child is born…OR after…choice
Love
Gender Roles sometimes don’t exist.
Males do not have a right to authority over their wives.
One interesting or surprising thing
Marrying after a child is born.

25. European Contact Characteristics / Traditions
Male dominated
Based on Christian traditions
Dowry
20 yrs (W) 28(M)
Nuclear
Child Heir would stay at home and look after parents in old age.
Similarities to Current Traditions
Ages…older marriages
Still look after older parents…any child.
Differences from Current Traditions
Many different types of families
Dowry
One interesting or surprising thing
First Nations temporary marriages.

26. 19th Century Canada Characteristics / Traditions
Most free choice . Aka LOVE
Approval of parent
June and Fall Harvest
Older marriages (26-29)
Divorce illegal in PQ
Divorce with proof of adultery
Similarities to Current Traditions
LOVE
Popular June and Sept
Differences from Current Traditions
Don’t need approval…but is tradition and respectful
One interesting or surprising thing
Divorce illegal in PQ