If we were to re-create the institution of marriage from scratch again today, what elements would you put into it?
Posted in Sexuality, Social Commentary by mathialee on March 24, 2011
to start the ball rolling -
1. exclusiveness?
2. “till death do we part” as the goal?
3. only 2 person (>3 persons can?)
4. same/different genders
…5. balanced power (how to determine?)
6. a shared stake in something important to both?? (eg kids, or something(???) else?)
7. provision for the other, in the event of death??? (Eg beneficiary of insurance policies?)
8. giving each other powers of attorney? visitation rights?
9. right to expect sex??
1. exclusiveness?
2. “till death do we part” as the goal?
3. only 2 person (>3 persons can?)
4. same/different genders
…5. balanced power (how to determine?)
6. a shared stake in something important to both?? (eg kids, or something(???) else?)
7. provision for the other, in the event of death??? (Eg beneficiary of insurance policies?)
8. giving each other powers of attorney? visitation rights?
9. right to expect sex??
10. who should be the one to endorse/regulate/protect etc the institution? the govt? religious leaders? the father of the bride? society as a collective whole, and thru what means? friends? the couple themselves?
disclaimer — above is a list to ponder, not a list i’m advocating for
5 Responses
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First of all, define the role of the institution of marriage. What is it going to be? What is it going to achieve? With these defined, then examine how for example the elements that you listed can fit within. There’s no use considering the elements without a definition of the institution of marriage.
Stripped to its bare, Marriage is a contract between lovers. The contract says like this: to protect and satisfy the need of each other. Man’s greatest need is more physical, i.e. sex. Woman’s need is more emotional, i.e. sense of security.
If I can re-do the marriage institution, I would probably broaden the definition of lovers, i.e. not solely confined to man and woman. But marriage must remain as a legally-binding contract.
I’m waiting for you to post more thought provoking entries, you haven’t been updating… It’s time
If the purpose of 2 people is to get together to make each other happy and create a whole lot of pleasure, you don’t need marriage…you just need a relationship. If you just want sex, these days you just need to send someone an email to arrange it.
You completely forget children which for many people is the main purpose of marriage. When you have children to care for you have a whole new set of obligations.
More posts from you pls… Your blog’s been stagnant and I hope to see new insights… Looking forward!