Sudhir KumarAIR 42 · CSE 2017 · 336 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
With modernity and changing times, all institutions including marriage have seen various changes and are thus in process of adapting to these drastic changes.
Various alternatives to institution of marriage existed even before as highlighted by Kathleen Gough in her study of Nayars of Kerala, where Tali rite was a norm for existence of family. However modern alternatives to marriage are a result of overall process of secularization, industrialization.
Body · points and prose
a) Cohabitation (Live-in) - Heterosexual b) Single person households c) Homosexual cohabitation d) Remaining with parents
Causes,
a) Changing values to the institution of marriage b) Change in meaning attached to marriage and change in expectations from marriage - from reproduction to social, economic support.
c) Increased individualism, leading to conflicts between spouses. d) Difference between men and women is increasing as no proper channel to understand each other. e) Growth of alternative forms of reproduction like surrogacy, in-vitro fertilizations, sperm donation etc. f) change from marriage to sexuality and a quest for seeking real identity, leading youth to "experiment". g) Necessities of modern life.
Close · a summary
However, the statement is far from true as there is no visible disintegration of this institution and its importance is only increasing in modern times. Alternative forms of marriage are still limited to affluent youth and far from becoming norm. These alternatives are for adapting to changes brought about by development, fast life and a more open discussion on sexuality. They are changing the conventional definition of marriage and family but not disintegrating it. Though divorces are increasing, but functionality of marriage like reproductive role, socialization, education has kept it afloat in society.
As Jenniffer Somerville summarises the present situation beautifully, "Changes in institution of marriage have been exaggerated. Vast majority of people still get married, most marriages continue; most people still live in a household dominated by married couple."
Marriage sustains because it's the easiest way to get social acceptability for cohabitation. The alternatives are good for institution of marriage as they will help it in keeping relevant to modern times.