Will Marriage Become Extinct in the Future?
by Will marriage upgrade from being an endangered species to becoming extinct?
The newfound freedom has made women gutsier. Marriage had always made more demands on her, so she now starts questioning – why marry, and why now. Many of them wait till they find a firm foothold on a career of their choice. The echoes from other parts of the world reach her through the visual medium sitting in her drawing room. Live-in and cohabitation are no longer a shocker.
Does all this indicate that marriage may upgrade from being an endangered species to becoming extinct?
I don’t think so. I believe in the cyclicity of nature and of evolution. The external world around us changes, the inner world remains the same. We are still plagued by the same need to seek identity and fulfillment, the same need to love and be loved. We are still moved by spiritual thought, despite (or because of) being steeped in materialism. We crave permanence despite being caught up in the vortex of change. We find our hearts and souls caught up elsewhere despite being ruled by the head.
I smile when somebody says they want the institution of marriage scrapped. They are not talking of celibacy; they would simply like to enjoy sex without the accompanying encumbrances in the form of commitments or responsibilities. For those of us who think marriage is a struggle, think again. Struggle in a marriage is similar to what you might find in any other relationship. The challenges in most relationships is about striking a balance between establishing one’s own identity, respecting those of others and honoring the common good. If you were on a job, should you speak your mind even if it is hurtful to others, and take care of your benefits before thinking of the team? How to react when your best friend acts against you, knowingly or otherwise? As a parent, how far can you go in laying down rules? How far is too far? How to be friendly with your pesky neighbor, and still rap him for his nasty habit of throwing garbage near your gate? It goes without saying one must face the challenges; one cannot run away from them.
Forget the religious or the moral standpoint, but think of the repercussions. Such a Bohemian attitude can only lead to self-centered, cynical and paranoid society, broken homes and orphaned and destitute children. That’s when the cyclicity of nature would perhaps usher in the renaissance.
Read also: Embracing Change
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Post CommentPinaki Ghosh
On May 31, 2009 at 4:06 am
This concept will take time to be materialised in the oriental countries like India.
Ramalingam
On May 31, 2009 at 9:28 am
Marriage as a social institution will exist but will undergo changes just like other social institutions and you cannot predict them correctly.Even the western countries will undergo radical changes eg legalisation of gay marriages, can we call a gay marriage, a marriage in the real sense of the word, that is a separate topic for discussion.A thought provoking article.But the advantages of a marriage far outweigh the disadvantages of a marriage.Thank you.
Jo Oliver
On May 31, 2009 at 11:13 am
I couldnt agree more. Of course, I know that everyone makes mistakes, etc.. but to create and adorn an attitude that family is a thing of the past only creates more pain in the world.
OhSugar
On May 31, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Nice post. It is a great piece for discussion. I don’t think marriage will become extinct, but I do think its formal mean will change significantly.
Karen Gross
On May 31, 2009 at 4:15 pm
We are living in a time and place where it seems like the goal being pursued by our society is to break down the structures of society. We value independance, personal happiness, and the rights of the individual much more than we value commitment, responsiblity, and perseverance.
The way that so many people are living in a never ending cycle of marriage, divorce, remarriage; or just living with one partner after another has caused so much instability for our society, especially the children. Our family trees look more like spider webs. How often can you put a family through the blender before it just isn’t a family anymore?
Eunice Tan
On May 31, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Great question. I still think that marriage bond is still needed especially for woman and children’s status.
Kate Smedley
On June 1, 2009 at 3:01 am
Very good article Uma, I also think Karen’s comment above is very relevant. Unfortunatley we do live in a throwaway society in the western world with partners being one of the things that are so easily replaced.
valli
On June 1, 2009 at 11:40 am
Good question, but I don’t think marriages will become extinct as they give security and commitment in relationship.
Guy Hogan
On June 1, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Marriage is a dynamic institution. It will no doubt go through changes but survive at least for the forseeable future. The most interesting change that may be on the horizon is same-sex marriage. I understand same-sex marriage is legal in several countries in Europe. The thing I wonder about is, only a man and a woman can procreate. So, heterosexual marriage by its nature is unique and cannot be compared to same-sex marriage. This debate will no doubt go on for a long time. I have never married.
LOVELYHONEY
On June 11, 2009 at 9:12 am
MY PERSONAL VIEWS YOU ASKED
If you accept marriage,
As an institution,
Then you are accepting,
More membership,
For the said marriage
Marriage is personal,
Between two individuals
It has two compatibilities,
One is of sex,
Second is of mind.
The first wears out early,
While the second lasts,
For a lifetime
Be you gay or lesbian,
Bi or straight,
There is a sexual reliever,
A different gate
But compatibility of mind,
One can only find,
Amongst those who believe in,
‘’Birds of a feather,
Flock together.’’
So that’s where,
An individual thought begins,
And institution dims.
Uma Shankari
On June 11, 2009 at 11:36 am
Well said, LH
CLEBLANC
On June 27, 2009 at 3:20 am
I hope marriage doesnt come to an end. I think we should take a step back and take a look at where this world is going. We need to put God back in the center if we want to end up on the right track. Great write!