Modernizing Marriage - Accommodating Different Relationship Structures

Modern marriage has been a topic of intense debate for centuries, with many cultures and traditions debating the different aspects of this cornerstone of modern life. As times have changed, so have the various aspects of marriage, and it is now an incredibly diverse concept. In this article we will look at what modern marriage looks like, where it came from and whether or not it is a sustainable practice in the 21st century.

Marriage has traditionally been seen as a union between a man and woman, but with the rise of LGBTQ rights, we are starting to see it as a union that can exist between any two people irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. This is just one example of how the concept of marriage has been modernized and changed to accommodate different types of couples and situations.

The history of marriage itself predates recorded history, in that anthropologists can trace its origins all the way back to antiquated tribal rituals kept alive by oral tradition and folk custom. Many historians believe that these practices were rife with superstitious beliefs, and were very likely used as a way to maintain power and control within tribes.

Fast-forwarding to today and we can see how far marriage has come. In every aspect from ceremony to rules and regulations, marriage has evolved drastically. Marriage certificates, for example, have only been in use for roughly 200 years, signalling the change from personal union to a legalised contract between two people regardless of their background or position in society.

With marriage being such an important part of society and culture, it's unsurprising that there have been so many debates concerning it over the years, particularly regarding the idea of modernizing it further to make it ever more inclusive. One of the main arguments regarding this that has consistently been presented is that introducing new ways in which two people may become legally bound to each other without requiring either partner to commit themselves wholeheartedly or making any promises to each other, or being required to adhere to certain standards or requirements such as fidelity, could seriously damage the institution of marriage altogether.

Yet, in spite of some staunch opposition to the idea of modernizing marriage still, others think differently and believe that changing certain aspects of the traditional marriage contract could actually be beneficial, or even essential, for maintaining a strong sense of commitment within relationship structures.

In addition to this, some individuals also point out that continuous modernization would allow for more flexibility when it comes to certain aspects of being married, such as financial arrangements and prenuptial deals. Such changes could have far reaching benefits for people who would otherwise be excluded from benefit sharing arrangements due to a lack of legal recognition.

Regardless of your views on the matter though, one thing is abundantly clear; modernizing marriage means accounting for the rapidly changing social landscape which we live in today. It's about recognizing the fact that relationships come in many forms and sizes, and allowing them equal rights regardless of the traditional box that society tries to operate within.

By respecting the need for gradual change and updating existing legislation that governs such matters as pension sharing and foreign taxation issues, we can make strides towards bringing marriage into the 21st century. Whether or not you are in favor of modernizing marriage necessarily, it is still worth understanding why such adaptations are needed on an increasingly regular basis and why we should always strive for further inclusion and acceptance in matters related to our private lives.