Marriage is an important social institution that has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world. It is a legal contract between two individuals who agree to live together as husband and wife. Marriages are often seen as a union of love and companionship, but there are also some political assumptions underlying this arrangement. In this article, I will discuss three main political assumptions embedded in the cultural institution of marriage.
Marriage implies that there should be a clear division between private and public spheres. The home, which includes the bedroom, kitchen, living room, and backyard, is considered to be a private space where individuals can enjoy their personal freedom without interference from the state or society. This means that the government does not have the right to regulate what happens within the walls of a married couple's home unless it violates public morals or public safety.
If a married couple chooses to practice consensual BDSM activities in their own bedroom, the government cannot interfere because it does not affect other people outside their relationship.
If they engage in abusive behavior towards each other, such as physical or emotional violence, the government may intervene by providing protection to the victim or enforcing laws against domestic violence.
Marriage reflects the power dynamics of a patriarchal society. Historically, men were seen as the dominant gender in marriage, with women subordinated to them. This power imbalance was reflected in property ownership and inheritance rights. Men would inherit their father's estate upon his death, while women could only inherit under certain circumstances. Women also had limited access to education and employment opportunities compared to men, making them financially dependent on their husbands. Today, these power imbalances still exist but to a lesser degree due to feminist movements that advocate for equal rights between genders.
Marriage reinforces traditional family values and norms. A nuclear family consisting of two heterosexual parents raising children together has been the ideal model since ancient times. Marriage provides stability to the family unit by creating a sense of belonging and security. It also promotes social conformity by encouraging individuals to follow societal expectations regarding marriage, sex, and child-rearing. This can be problematic for those who identify as LGBTQ+, who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society.
The cultural institution of marriage is a complex system that reflects various political assumptions about power, privacy, and tradition. While it may seem like an outdated concept, its enduring popularity suggests that there are still benefits to be gained from this arrangement.
What political assumptions are embedded in the cultural institution of marriage?
Political assumptions embedded in the cultural institution of marriage include the idea that it is an ideal state for individuals to be in a long-term relationship with one partner, as well as the belief that this union should be legally recognized by the government.