Marriage, Intimate Relationships and Society Contemporary Marriage and Intimate Relationships ( )

Statistics Canada % of women aged 30 – 69 had formed at least one union The proportion of women who had married was highest for those aged 40 – 69 The proportion of women aged who married was lower

Research questions that arise concerning marriage and intimate relationships At what age and rate do Canadians marry or form other intimate relationships? What is the purpose of marriage? How has the changing role of women affected marriage? What role does cohabitation have in Canadian Society?

The Time for marrying Determined by a culture’s social clock Canadian's believe that the best age for marrying is about 24 Best age to have children is 25 Young adults are delaying marriage but are not postponing sexual activity

QUESTION What factors are determining the delay of marriage?

Why People Marry? “The real issue isn’t making love: it’s feeling loved.” – William H. Masters and Virginia Johnson

Why People Marry? Fall in love Arranged marriage – fall in love after the ceremony Spouses are expected to be close friends, companions to love and support each other Men generally marry for love and companionship

Expectations Husbands and wives are expected to express their love for each other. A marriage must be consummated by sexual activity It is assumed that husbands and wives enjoy an exclusive sexual relationship

Women Sexual attraction was necessary for marriage Sexual fidelity was necessary Children are linked to mothers, mothers are expected to be faithful

Adultery Adultery – Sex with a partner other than a spouse No – Fault Divorce, instituted in 1968

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Moral and Ethical Concerns “What would philosophers have to offer on the subject of cheating?” Who does it hurt? What does it involve? Pleasure vs. pain

Identity When individuals marry they acquire the status of husband and wife Symbolic Interactionism – Men and women who are married take on the roles as husband and wife as they interact with people who are also married Assumption – Men will become more reliable, stable and productive

Identity The Companionate Marriage – is based on shared lifestyle Individuals who want to achieve a higher status are likely to choose a partner who has similar goals and similar means to acquire financial freedom

The Economics of Marriage Marriage provided physical and economic survival benefits for a couple Functionalist Perspective – The division of labour provides for the well – being of spouses, children and benefits

The Economics of Marriage Instrumental Role – Goal orientated providing for the family Expressive Role – Emotional, providing a supportive home for their family Egalitarian Relationships – Men and women share the responsibilities rather than adhere to gender roles

The Future of Marriage Marriage continues to be typical for individuals in Canada Romantic marriages are threatened by the increasing divorce rate Couples who no longer love one another may not stay together The definition of heterosexuality is threatened