Marriage Flashcards
Why may marriage sometimes raise moral issues?
-In an arranged marriage the couple may not have had the chance to properly get to know each other, this may raise issues within the relationship if they’re not compatible
-The marriage may have been forced, e.g. the couple have had no choice in their partner or the female may still be very young
-Couples may feel pressured into marriage. This could be due to religious pressure, parental expectations or societal pressure
-There are issues when marriage ends unhappily for the couple where children are involved and they may feel pain or suffering as a result
-Issues like domestic violence may occur but the partner may feel it’s harder to leave the situation as they are already married
-Couples may not feel happy and fulfilled in their relationship which can then lead to a lack of fidelity and result in cheating which will ultimately cause more unhappiness
Reasons why people get married?
-Want to start a family and have children
-They want to show love and commitment to each other and the church
-To provide a secure and loving environment for bringing up children
-To ensure friendship and companionship though life
Choose a religious view point you have studied
DESCRIBE what it says about marriage
-Christianity teaches us that marriage is a scared covenant between a man and a woman
-Christian teachings emphasise the importance of mutual love and respect, faithfulness and the sharing of responsibilities in a marriage
-Christian marriage is meant to reflect the love between Christ and the church and is considered a life long commitment
-In the Catholic church teachings it is stated that sacramental marriage is the binding until the death of one’s partner
Choose a non religious view point you have studied
EXPLAIN what it says about divorce
Utilitarians would likely consider the impact of divorce on the individuals involved as well as any children. If divorce results in a reduction of suffering or an increase in happiness for all parties then a utilitarian would consider it a valid option
Utilitarians may also consider the impact of divorce on society as a whole e.g. potential economic or social costs of divorce. If it can help create a more just and equitable society then a utilitarian would consider divorce a valid option
Ultimately utilitarians would prioritise the overall happiness and well being of the greatest number of people when considering divorce
What does Christianity teach about marriage?
-Marriage is a gift from God which allows couples to live in comfort and companionship
-Christian marriage is for life and is permanent and exclusive
-Sacramental marriage is a sign for the Christian church as Gods love is reflected in the love of husband and wife
What is traditional marriage?
-When a man and woman make a legal commitment to eachother
-They vow to love one another in sickness and health, nube faithful to each other until death parts them
-This can be done in a place of worship or officiated by a registrar e.g. in a castle
-Some see this as the right context for starting a family
What is arranged marriage?
-When family e.g. parents help arrange the wedding so a suitable partner is found
-It’s more traditional in both Hindu and Muslim cultures
-Couples may not know each other prior to marriage but often meet before hand and agree to marriage
-Arranged marriages have declined in prosperous countries with social mobility and increasing individualism however they are still seen in Europe and North America is royal families or minority religious groups
Choose a non religious view point.
What does it say about marriage?
-Marriage can bring happiness to the couple, their families and friends so is beneficial to the majority of
-Utilitarians support same sex marriage as although it may not make some people happy, a loving, inclusive society is better than a closed minded punitive one
-Utilitarians may argue marriage is not necessary for two people who love each other to have a sexual relationship as long as it makes them happy
-Positive consequences of marriage that would increase happiness are : financial security, children, a good car, a nice house etc
Why may people thunk marriage IS NOT important in the modern world?
-Just a bit of paper now a days, copules can have just as meaningful relationships without marriage
-Divorce rate is very high - over a 1/3 of marriages end in divorce so a life long commitment might not be life long at all so what’s the point in the first place
-Some people do not want to be committed to the same person for the rest of their lives
-There are alternatives to marriage such as civil partnerships
Why may people think marriage IS important in the modern world?
-Provides lifelong companionship, stability and security
-Marriage gives children a stable family network
-For Christian’s marriage is a gift from God and marrying in a church is a way of showing your love to God
-LGBT groups have been campaigning for marriage so for some it’s an important thing for equality
