Changing Pattern Of Marriage

Question 1

In 1972, how many couples got married

Answer 1

480,000

Question 2

In 2009, how many couples got married

Answer 2

231490

Question 3

Reasons for the decline in marriage

Answer 3

• changes in attitude= couples are choosing to marry later in life or not at all as marriage isn’t in contemporary society
• secularisation = the decline in religious influence on society allows couples to have more freedom with regards to their lifestyle
• the Cost of weddings = due to the significant expense of a wedding, couples may choose to put money towards buying their home and raising children instead of getting of married

Question 4

Same- sex marriage act

Answer 4

2013

Question 5

Arranged marriages

Answer 5

Common in many Asian communities- they involve families assisting individuals to find a compatible partner by searching for another family that has similar beliefs
Epstein claimed that these relationships tend to have more stability

Question 6

Forced marriages

Answer 6

Involve no input from the couple involved and usually occur against their will. In 2013 there were 1302 forced marriages in the uk - although this may be higher as many don’t report

Question 7

Morgan - new right thinkers

Answer 7

Believe that marriage is essential to society as it promotes morality and obligatory. Statistics prove that married men are more likely to be employed, earn more and live happier and healthier lives.
Also rejects same-sex marriage as it undermines the power of the church

Question 8

Feminist evaluation

Answer 8

Marriage are patriarchal as women are expected to give up their careers as a mother - therefore a decrease in marriage is positive

Question 9

Marxist-feminist - Barrett

Answer 9

Women are deceived of the positives of marriage during their childhood when in reality marriage traps women in a life long expectation of doing the housework without recognition and reward