Of all the contracts we sign, nothing is more important than the marriage one.
We sign contracts to borrow money or perhaps to buy a car on the installment plan, maybe to purchase a house. Yet nothing can compare to the marriage commitment. Yet too may nowadays treat this matter lightly.
Proof of that significant problem is the currently-high divorce rate of nearly 50 per cent. The rate in Canada is somewhat lower than in the United States.
Still, marriage remains the foundation of our social stability and our economy. Consider the alternative. In families with only one parent present, crime is far above that of two-parent households.
At the present time too many consider marriage as a declining institution. Some opt for a common-law relationship, and that has become far more usual than in previous generations. These people are toying with the idea of two people living together however, a without a mandatory agreement that is far less stable. Some argue that there is no need for “a piece of paper” to hold people together; even so it is harder to break an obligation in print.
Complaints are utter nonsense. Nothing can resemble a marriage whereby a mutual arrangement establishes an altogether relationship. Then too, nowadays women decide to retain their maiden name. In Quebec and Italy paperwork is required to change a single woman’s name to encompass her husband. When this columnist’s wife decided to use her husband’s name, it was very gratifying. If one were truly, fully devoted to a relationship, it would be logical to share a common name. In certain societies the maiden name is attached to the family one.
To accept the importance of marriage, its historical evolution should be considered. At first it simply was mating. The obligation and pleasure of children led to the establishment of the rights of each partner, particularly with respect to the care and nurturing of any offspring, the legal role of inheritance, and the interests of society.
Regulating property rights and the protection of children became paramount issues. Rules regulating personal, moral and ethical matters were established, essential for the preservation of the union and outlining the responsibilities and privileges of each. The relationship of religion became very important and tended to cement further marriage. Each member of marriage assumed a new role.
Marriage is controlled by custom, regulated often by religion, and protected by law. Marriage and family became the most important institution of society.
Nothing on Earth can equal the sense of fulfillment and love provided marriage.
It is utterly unthinkable that the institution of marriage will be replaced. Cynics note that some may choose to remain single, but that is a passing phenomenon.
Those who scorn marriage will soon note that our social structure and our economy ordain otherwise, doubters notwithstanding.