Marriage in a Diverse Society Unit 3 Lesson

Marriage in a Diverse Society Unit 3

Lesson “Think” Questions • To what extent has “marriage” changed over time? Socio-culturally? Economically? • How does contemporary Canadian society view the purpose and economics of marriage? Is it effective?

What is marriage? • Textbook Definition: ▫ A socially legitimate sexual union, begun with a public announcement and with some idea of permanence, and assumed with a more or less explicit contract (Schlesinger & Gibbon, 1984) • Contract implies socio-cultural und. about the rights and resp. on the indiv. in the relationships ▫ Sociologists refer to marriages as conjugal unions • Differences between intimate relationships, marriage, cohabitation, same-sex relationships • What does “socially legitimate” imply?

What is the purpose of marriage? • Structural functionalists suggest that institutions exist to meet the basic needs in all societies • Practical view – allows indiv. to share resources to improve standard of living • Biological view – allows indiv. to procreate and raise children successfully • Socio-cultural view – allows indiv. to commit unfailing love and support to the person they love • What does marriage mean to people? ▫ It is the “natural” thing to do? ▫ Does it confer adult status?

Biological View Helen Fisher explains that the durability of the pairbond is essential to the survival of humans • 1 - People form pair-bonds to ensure their continued existence by reproduction • 2 - Both men and women have a biological urge to reproduce • 3 - Desire to form an enduring pair bond is a basic biological drive

Why is this view problematic?

Various Models of Marriage • Historical classical model ▫ Complementary biological and social roles of men and women ▫ Marriage as the ideal situation for raising children • Choice model ▫ Marriage as a private agreement between individuals ▫ Emphasis on self-expression of sexuality • Commitment model ▫ Marriage as committed, intimate relationship based on emotional support ▫ Founded on individual choice

The Purpose of Marriage Other Types of Intimate Relationships Conjugal unions: relationships in which individuals live together in a sexual relationship Common Law Marriages: in which individuals live together as partners without legally marrying Also known as cohabitation

The History of Marriage • Monogamy: having ONE marital partner -Most common marriage practice in Canadian society today • Polygyny (polygamy): the practice of a man having more than one wife -Most common and preferred form of marriage historically -84% of cultures accepted and allowed it • Polyandry: several men that support one wife and her children -Common in poor, overpopulated, rural areas (EX: Nepal)

VIDEO Sister Wives: Ellen http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Vp. Du 8 Kaw. Yq. M What are the pros and cons for each type of marriage?

History of Marriage in Ancient Times: • Ancient Hebrew Marriage • 4000 years ago, were arranged marriages, for the purpose of producing sons • Betrothal: a promise to marry given by parents Bride Price: Groom’s family paid the bride’s family to symbolize the bride’s value as a potential mother Dowry: Bride’s family would provide in the form of money, land, and household items to establish a home for her new family Marriage Contract: recorded mutual obligations of a husband wife

History of Marriage in Ancient Rome • Patrilineal, Patriarchal, Patrilocal • Strictly Monogamous • Became a disorganized and more equal society over time

History of Marriage Early Middle Ages • Informal, loosely organized, casually enforced • Common-law marriage widespread and just as legal as church marriages • Marriage Banns: a public announcement three weeks prior to the marriage ceremony that a couple are to be married, and the priest question of whether anyone has any reason to object to the marriage

Marriage in Canada Aboriginal Marriages • Matrilineal • Marriage a la facon du pays: temporary marriage arrangements

History of Marriage 19 th-Century Canada Free-choice marriage Average • 1821 -1830: 26 (men), 23 (women) • 1871: 29 (men), 26 (women) • Couples would meet at social events • Divorce was rare • Divorce was illegal until 1930 in Ontario and until 1968 in Québec unless proof of adultery was shown

History of Marriage 21 st Century Canada • Age of marriage increased • Increase of diversity • Acceptance of same-sex and interracial Marriages

The Economics of Marriage • Division of labour provides for the well-being of spouses and children • Gender roles in Marriage – Talcott Parsons ▫ Middle-class families in the 50 s and 60 s ▫ Men have a goal-oriented instrumental role of providing for their family ▫ Women have an emotionally expressive role of providing a supportive home for their husbands and nurturing their children

Economics of Marriage (2) • Exchange-theory Perspective ▫ There must be benefits that outweigh the alternatives to marriage (cohabitation/single) ▫ Economic benefits are also achieved by the sharing of resources and labour • Changes in the economics of marriage ▫ ▫ Educated working women Dual-income families The rise of the egalitarian relationship Effects on Canadian law – communal ownership

Things to think about… • Relationship between marriage and love • Relationship between marriage and identity

Marriage Simulation Activity • To be done in pairs • To be submitted by the end of class (Completion) • The partner you choose will be considered your “partner” in marriage • 3 Parts ▫ The wedding ▫ The financial picture ▫ The future