Altered Perceptions

Perceptions about the nature and purpose of marriage have also changed. You have probably observed a shift in emphasis from loyal and supportive marriage partners to spouses who primarily expect personal fulfillment- often at the expense of their mate.

The transition to this self-centered view of marriage "began in the 1960s and accelerated in the 1970s," states the Journal Of Marriage and Family. Traditional reasons for marriage - such as the desire for love, intimacy, fidelity, children and mutual fulfillment - have weakened.

Several other recent developments have accelerated the transformation of marriage in many lands. First, the traditional roles of the male breadwinner and the female homemaker have changed in many countries. With the entry of women into the paid workplace, there has been a notable rise in the number of dual-career households. Second, childbearing outside marriage is increasingly accepted, leading to more single-parent families. Third, cohabitation as replacement for marriage is growing. Fourth, same sex unions and the movement to legalize them have gained wide approval. Have these modern trends influenced your view of matrimony?

Next time: Surging Divorce Rates