In most countries around the world, marriage is recognized as one of the oldest institutions. Marriage has been defined as an agreement between two individuals to live together for life, where they promise to love each other and take care of each other. In many cases, it was also used to create families, procreate children, or ensure inheritance rights.
Since its origin, marriage has undergone significant changes throughout history. Today, marriage can be seen as a political institution that codifies sexual behavior, emotional dependence, and economic regulation.
Marriage can be understood as a contractual relationship between two people, which creates legal bonds. It is recognized by the state, which provides benefits like tax breaks, healthcare insurance, property ownership, and others. This means that society gives preferential treatment to married couples, compared to those who are single or living together without formalizing their union legally. Accordingly, marriage serves as a way to control sexual behavior and emotional dependency.
Cohabitation before marriage is forbidden in some cultures, while marriage is seen as the only option for expressing intimacy. The same goes for divorce; if there is no marriage certificate, partners may lose many of these benefits. Moreover, marriage involves financial responsibility, with couples sharing expenses and assets. This can lead to a greater degree of economic regulation, especially when it comes to child support, alimony payments, and division of properties after a breakup.
Marriage can serve as a tool for social pressure, which restricts individual freedom and choice. People often feel forced to get married due to cultural expectations, family pressure, or religious beliefs.
Marriage imposes certain duties and obligations, such as loyalty, fidelity, or mutual support. Married individuals must live together, raise children, take care of each other's needs, and manage finances. If they do not comply with these requirements, they risk losing everything they have built together. Also, marriage is often used as an excuse to justify gender roles, power dynamics, and unequal relationships.
Marriage is linked to morality and virtue, where society tends to value monogamy and heterosexuality. As a result, it has been challenged by LGBTQ+ communities, feminist movements, and other minorities who seek equal treatment.
How does marriage operate as a political institution that codifies sexual behavior, emotional dependence, and economic regulation?
Marriage is an institution that legally recognizes two people as partners for life. This institution has been used by various cultures throughout history to control individuals' sexuality, emotions, and economics. It was seen as a way of ensuring stability within society, with the belief that this would lead to prosperity and success. The traditional view of marriage was centered around heterosexual relationships, where women were expected to take on domestic roles and men had more freedom outside of the home.