Marriage is an institution that has been around for centuries, and it plays a significant role in many societies around the world. It is a union between two individuals who agree to share their lives together, and it involves various responsibilities and obligations.
The question remains - how does marriage codify sexual, emotional, and political control? Marriage can be seen as a contract that sets out rules and boundaries within which both partners must operate, including controlling their sexual, emotional, and political behaviour. This essay will explore this idea further.
Sexual control is perhaps one of the most obvious ways in which marriage controls its participants. In traditional marriages, the husband was often expected to control his wife's sexuality, including her desires, fantasies, and urges. He had sole authority over when they would have sex and what position they should take during intercourse. The wife was often expected to submit to her husband's wishes without protest or complaint. This sexual control was justified under the assumption that the husband needed to fulfil his masculinity and dominance by being the dominant partner in all aspects of their relationship.
Such power dynamics have changed significantly since then, with more equality and freedom given to women in modern marriages. Still, some cultures and religions maintain strict guidelines on sexual conduct within marriage, limiting access to contraception or even abortion rights.
Emotional control also comes into play in marriage. A couple may develop a pattern of communication where one partner is more dominant than the other, leading to an imbalance of power. Emotional abuse can occur if one partner believes they are entitled to express themselves however they want while the other feels constrained.
Verbal abuse or manipulation can become part of everyday life for someone who has been emotionally controlled in a marriage. Similarly, parents or extended family members may exert pressure on a newly married couple regarding how they interact with each other emotionally, such as controlling their private time together or monitoring their phone calls or social media activity.
Political control is another way marriage can codify behaviour. In many countries around the world, it is considered taboo for married couples to disagree publicly about political issues. They may be pressured to adopt similar viewpoints or keep silent to avoid offending others. Some marriages even require spouses to vote similarly or participate in rallies and demonstrations. This control often stems from cultural norms or religious beliefs, but it can also come from external influences like employers or government agencies.
Marriage is a complex institution that carries various meanings across different cultures and eras. While not all marriages will involve explicit rules governing sexual, emotional, or political control, some do contain implicit expectations that influence behaviour. It is essential to recognise these dynamics and work towards healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding rather than subjugation.
How does marriage codify sexual, emotional, and political control?
The institution of marriage is not only about the union between two people who are deeply in love with each other but also reflects the social, cultural, economic, and political norms of society. Marriage is seen as a sign of approval by the community for the relationship between two individuals. It also symbolizes the acceptance and legitimacy of their sexual, emotional, and political beliefs.