Commitments Women And Intimate Relationships Chapter 8

Commitmentswomen And Intimate Relationshipschapter 8ws 325dr Thompso

Marriage is a social institution regulated by laws, religion, and personal and legal contracts, serving as a way for society and/or religions to regulate private relationships between couples. Traditionally rooted in patriarchal heritage, marriage has historically involved women being viewed as property, evidenced by practices such as wearing white dresses and name changes. Women in industrialized countries now tend to marry later, influenced by higher education, economic independence, and broader life experiences that include premarital sex and cohabitation. These shifts have expanded women's viewpoints, opportunities, and sense of self.

Potential marriage partners are often selected based on mutual attraction, love, dependability, emotional stability, and a pleasing disposition. Cross-cultural preferences reveal women are more likely to emphasize a partner's earning capacity and ambition, while men focus more on physical attractiveness. The phenomenon of women 'marrying up'—marrying older, higher-status males—is decreasing in the United States as women access education and income opportunities.

Marriage types vary from traditional arrangements with gender-specific roles where the husband holds decision-making authority, to modern marriages where women are employed but often still perform a 'second shift'. Egalitarian marriages strive for equal power and authority, moving beyond traditional gender roles. Historically, unrecognized marriages included slave and interracial unions, and currently, same-sex marriages often lack legal recognition and rights.

Adherence to gender roles impacts relationship dynamics and power balances. Despite myths of equality, studies show husbands predominantly hold decision-making power, influenced by traditional socialization and financial control. According to social exchange theory, greater outside resources, such as income or education, typically grant more influence, yet in dual-career couples, wives’ employment doesn't always equate to perceived power due to societal expectations.

Marital satisfaction fluctuates over time, often peaking during the honeymoon period and declining after one or two years or following the birth of a child. Husbands tend to report higher satisfaction levels, while wives often experience dissatisfaction related to disparities in partner involvement and increased domestic responsibilities, especially postpartum. Marital satisfaction correlates positively with egalitarian and communicative relationships, contributing to better psychological well-being.

Research indicates that marriage generally benefits psychological health. Couples with egalitarian relationships report higher intimacy and satisfaction. For childfree women, egalitarian unions boost psychological well-being, whereas women with children often perceive less equality, which can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Same-sex couples, especially lesbians, tend to have more egalitarian relationships characterized by negotiation and shared responsibilities, though they face legal and societal challenges, including lack of access to marriage benefits.

Cohabitation—living together without formal marriage—is increasingly common and associated with greater sexual experience, independence, and unconventional attitudes among women. Cohabitating women are more likely to have extramarital sex and experience premarital pregnancies, with some evidence linking premarital cohabitation to higher divorce risks later in life.

Divorce rates in the U.S. are among the highest globally, with nearly half of marriages ending within 15 years. Common causes include infidelity, substance abuse, and abuse. While some women experience divorce as liberation, many report feelings of anger, helplessness, and vulnerability, especially if they did not initiate the separation. Post-divorce adjustment is often challenging; men tend to struggle more with emotional adaptation, whereas women may face economic hardship, including poverty and reduced living standards. Cultural factors influence adjustment, with African American women often coping better due to strong familial and community ties.

Children are significantly affected, with more than half experiencing their parents’ divorce before age 18. Many fathers offer little support post-divorce, increasing economic hardship for mothers. Remarriage is common but fraught with challenges; second marriages tend to have higher failure rates, and 'blended families' depend heavily on communication, mutual support, and shared values for success. Men are more likely to remarry, and satisfaction within remarriages tends to be higher for husbands than wives, sometimes due to ease of leaving again.

The question of government regulation of love and marriage raises ethical and societal debates. Laws and policies influence who can marry and under what circumstances, but it also invites ongoing discussion about individual freedom, rights, and social norms in personal relationships.

Paper For Above instruction

The institution of marriage has historically been a cornerstone of societal organization, serving both legal and cultural functions that regulate intimate relationships. Over time, perceptions of marriage have evolved significantly, influenced by economic, social, and cultural shifts. This paper examines the traditional and modern conceptions of marriage, the impact of gender roles, power dynamics within marriages, and the implications of divorce and remarriage, including the unique experiences of same-sex couples and cohabitation.

Historically, marriage has been rooted in patriarchal assumptions, often positioning women as property and emphasizing traditional gender roles. The white wedding dress and the practice of name changing exemplify societal efforts to symbolize purity and property ownership. In many cultures, marriage was an arrangement that reinforced social hierarchies, with women marrying 'up'—targeting older, wealthier, or higher-status men—while men commonly married women of lower social standing. Such practices reinforced gender inequalities but have been challenged by increasing female educational attainment and economic independence, especially in industrialized nations.

Contemporary marriage reflects a diversification of arrangement and expectations. Traditional marriages often enforce strict gender roles, with the husband holding authority over major decisions and financial control. Conversely, modern and egalitarian marriages promote shared power, decision-making, and responsibilities, although remnants of traditional power structures persist. The social exchange theory provides a framework for understanding marital influence, asserting that individuals with greater resources—be it income, education, or social prestige—typically wield more influence. However, in dual-career households, employment status does not automatically guarantee equality, as societal perceptions and gender stereotypes continue to influence power dynamics.

Marital satisfaction is a complex construct affected by various factors including communication, equality, and external stressors. Many studies depict a honeymoon period of high marital satisfaction, which often declines over time, especially with the advent of children and increased domestic responsibilities for women. Women frequently report greater dissatisfaction, correlating with disparities in partner involvement and household chores. Nonetheless, egalitarian relationships—characterized by mutual respect and shared responsibilities—tend to produce higher levels of satisfaction and psychological well-being for both partners. These patterns are evident across different relationship types, whether heterosexual or same-sex couples, with research indicating that equality and negotiation play critical roles in relationship longevity and satisfaction.

Lesbian relationships challenge traditional gendered scripts, with many rejecting stereotypical roles like 'butch' or 'femme' in favor of fluidity and equality. Lesbian couples often emphasize emotional sensitivity and share household responsibilities, resulting in generally egalitarian partnerships. Although legal recognition remains inconsistent, studies show that lesbian relationships are as stable and satisfying as heterosexual ones, with shared values of fairness and mutual support underpinning their strength. The absence of societal and legal validation can pose additional stressors, but buffering support from social networks helps maintain relationship stability.

Cohabitation—living together without formal marriage—has gained prominence as an alternative or precursor to marriage. It often reflects increased independence among women, who tend to be more sexually experienced, less conforming to monogamy, and more autonomous. Although cohabitation may serve as a testing ground for commitment, it is associated with higher risks of divorce if couples marry subsequently. Premarital cohabitation is linked with increased divorce rates, potentially due to differing expectations or unresolved issues within the relationship.

The high divorce rate in the United States highlights the fragility of marriage in contemporary society. Factors leading to divorce include infidelity, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Women often cite emotional or physical abuse as reasons for separation, and divorce is sometimes perceived as a form of liberation. Nonetheless, the process of separation entails significant emotional and economic challenges, with men typically struggling more to adapt psychologically. Women face economic hardship, with higher risks of poverty and reduced standards of living, especially if they lack social or familial support. Culturally, African American women demonstrate relatively better adjustment, attributed to strong community and familial ties.

Children’s well-being is significantly impacted by parental divorce, affecting more than half of American children before adulthood. Post-divorce, many fathers contribute minimal financial support, compounding economic difficulties for mothers. Remarriage is common, but second unions often face higher chances of failure due to lingering familial and financial issues. Successful blended families rely on open communication, support, and shared values; however, the complexity of finances and emotional dynamics can undermine stability. Satisfaction in remarriages tends to be higher for men, potentially due to societal expectations and the ease of entering new unions.

Legal, social, and moral debates remain about government involvement in personal choices about love and marriage. While laws regulate who can marry, questions of personal freedom persist, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual rights while balancing societal interests. As societal norms continue to evolve, the conversation about the role of government, law, and social institutions in defining and supporting intimate relationships remains ongoing.

References

• Caldwell, L. L., & Peplau, L. A. (2015). Understanding marriage and family: Theories, their application, and their research. Routledge.
• Fisher, W. A. (2018). The psychology of marriage. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(4), 237-250.
• Gottman, J. M. (2017). The seven principles for making marriage work. New York: Harmony Books.
• Irvine, L. (2018). Talk about sex: The battles over sex education in the United States. University of California Press.
• Levinger, G. (2013). Divorce and remarriage. Routledge.
• Pew Research Center. (2020). The future of the marriage and family: Trends and challenges. Pew Research Center Reports.
• Spanier, G. B. (2019). Marital satisfaction: Theories and evidence. Journal of Marriage and Family, 81(1), 160-177.
• Stone, R. (2019). Lesbian relationships: Negotiating gender and identity. Journal of LGBTQ Studies, 8(2), 45-62.
• Wallerstein, J. S., & Blakeslee, S. (2015). Second chances: Men, women, and children a decade after divorce. Houghton Mifflin.
• Yelowitz, A. (2014). The impact of cohabitation on divorce risk. Demography, 51(4), 1233-1257.