Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Why Society is Interested in Marriage.

When a man and a woman get together, it is not unusual that they would make a baby. Society is interested in marriage to be sure that somebody is taking care of that baby. Otherwise, it becomes our job. Indeed, in most cases where the parents are not married, supporting the kids has become our job, a job that society is not very well equipped to do.

SO, if a man and a woman are going to get together (I am trying to avoid vulgarity here), it is safer for everyone if they get married first.

If they do not, for one reason or another, make a baby, there is no harm done. If they want to be married but don't intend to make babies, or don't even think they can make babies, it is still safer for society and for any surprise children if they get married first. We don't really need to know all the details of what they do together.

3 comments:

Michael Kruse said...

This was far to simply stated for a sociologist. *grin* Thanks.

Mark Smith said...

I disagree.

What is required is a commitment to do the right thing should a surprise child appear. Given today's contraception, this is unlikely to happen anyway if the person is committed to avoiding accidents.

I also believe that it is a good idea to determine sexual compatibility before marriage.

Sorry, but I don't agree that sex before marriage necessarily (or even often) causes Bad Things to happen.

Gruntled said...

No, I just don't see it. Married people make their own "sexual compatibility." Sex is important, but not even in the same league as marriage.