The Institute Of Marriage

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The Institution of Marriage

Marriage is more than a relationship between two people. It is a social institution. That means it is governed by legal, moral and community expectations says Steven Nock, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. That means, "No matter what marriage may mean to a particular man and woman, it has clear meaning to others." As an institution, marriage has certain systems of economics, government, education and more that go beyond simply an intimate relationship. But society seems to be forgetting that, says Nock. The view of marriage as a simple contract between two people is increasingly reflected in law and media. Moreover, he says, recent trends in cohabitation and unmarried childbearing suggest that growing numbers of Americans see no inherent distinctions between a contract and an institution. "Unfortunately, trends have indicated a steady devaluation of marriage in our culture," says Alan Hawkins, director of the BYU Family Studies Center. "However, current iss!
ues are bringing discussion of the value and definition of marriage to the forefront."
Devaluation of marriage has both personal and societal costs, says Nock. The institution of marriage gives peoples a template, a pattern that guides all of domestic life. "A man can say to his spouse: 'I am your husband. Your are my wife. I am expected to do certain things for you and you likewise. We have pledged our faithfulness. We have sworn to forgo others. We have made a commitment to our children. We have a responsibility and obligation to our close relatives, as they have to us.' These statements are not simply pledges, they are also enforceable." Compare this to an unmarried couple living happily together, he says. What, if any, are the assumptions that can be made? What are the limits to behavior? To who is each obligated? From who can this couple count on for help in times of need? Marriage produces measurable and significant benefits...