Many people all over the world view marriage as an important part of life. Whether it be for religious, cultural, or personal belief, marriage has an impact on a lot of people’s lives. The idea of marriage has changed in many ways over time. Gender roles have become more equal, people have more of a personal choice about getting married, and the rates of marriage have changed as well.
In Margaret Mead’s “Modern Marriage”, she shows how not only gender roles have changed, but how social expectations have changed as well. The roles that men and women were assumed have now started to become more equal, and are acceptable to most of the society around them. Mead (1953) states “instead, we have boys and girls both of whom want children, both of whom regard caring for little children as interesting, both of whom regard marriage as something to be worked at, something worth keeping”. Mead is showing the likeness that has become of both genders in America regarding marriage and children. There are men and women that are happy to have marriage and start a family together.
However, in the 2012 State of Marriage Report, it seems that “Americans have become less likely to marry” (p. 76). The decline of marriage in the last 59 years has been a result of many factors, including the delay of marriage until older ages, unmarried …show more content…
Luckily enough for Americans, we have the freedom to be with whomever we choose when we feel that we are ready. Berger states “most emerging adults are thought to be postponing, not abandoning, marriage, often because they want a college degree and a steady income first” (419). I think both genders today have become more independent and want to get their life together to ensure they will have a happy future before they start a life with a spouse and children. Marriage is still important, but so is education and a career to support the family they might one day
In Margaret Mead’s “Modern Marriage”, she shows how not only gender roles have changed, but how social expectations have changed as well. The roles that men and women were assumed have now started to become more equal, and are acceptable to most of the society around them. Mead (1953) states “instead, we have boys and girls both of whom want children, both of whom regard caring for little children as interesting, both of whom regard marriage as something to be worked at, something worth keeping”. Mead is showing the likeness that has become of both genders in America regarding marriage and children. There are men and women that are happy to have marriage and start a family together.
However, in the 2012 State of Marriage Report, it seems that “Americans have become less likely to marry” (p. 76). The decline of marriage in the last 59 years has been a result of many factors, including the delay of marriage until older ages, unmarried …show more content…
Luckily enough for Americans, we have the freedom to be with whomever we choose when we feel that we are ready. Berger states “most emerging adults are thought to be postponing, not abandoning, marriage, often because they want a college degree and a steady income first” (419). I think both genders today have become more independent and want to get their life together to ensure they will have a happy future before they start a life with a spouse and children. Marriage is still important, but so is education and a career to support the family they might one day