The past 70 years have seen several cultural and societal transformations that have affected marriage and family composition. These advancements have resulted in society changing its view on relationships and the population factors that have made singlehood more appealing, using Benokraitis’ “Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints,” Risman’s “Families as They Really Are” and Amory and Massey’s LGBTQ legal history chapter. It should be noted that cultural changes in independence and diminishing gender roles have aided the present singlehood trend. The paper examines ongoing relationships and social effects.
Cultural conventions have favored individualism over partnerships for 70 years. Cultural trends emphasize personal freedom and intimate partnership fulfillment. Benokraitis explores how individualism affects marriage and family partner choices and dynamics. Chapter 8. As they gain autonomy, people choose relationships based on compatibility and happiness. Mate choice has evolved away from familial and societal expectations, increasing cultural acceptance of individual life choices. Risman examines “New Couples, New Families” in Chapter 12 to demonstrate how individual autonomy is growing in modern relationships. Risman shows how modern couples prioritize personal objectives to defy gender conventions and family structures. Individual liberty changes intimate unions when spouses negotiate roles, responsibilities, and expectations based on preferences, not culture. Therefore, intimate interactions become more fluid and adaptive, reflecting a cultural trend toward individual fulfillment. Amory and Massey’s LGBTQ legal history chapter describes how non-traditional families’ desire for autonomy fueled the LGBTQ rights movement.
Economic independence has impacted relationships during the past 70 years, especially for women. Financial emancipation has allowed people, especially women, to prioritize work and personal development over family, changing marriage and family life. In Marriages and Families Chapter 9, Benokraitis examines economic variables in relationships. She examines how women’s economic freedom has increased singlehood and cohabitation as marriage alternatives. Financial freedom from males lets women pursue personal ambitions without familial responsibilities. In Chapter 10, Risman examines “Families ‘In Practice'” to explain modern families’ complicated economic processes. Risman emphasizes economic factors in the family and labor division. Career-driven families prioritize financial security and personal fulfillment. This shift in priorities is due to cultural recognition of economic freedom’s significance in personal agency and self-actualization in intimate relationships. Therefore, modern partnerships are fairer and more courteous since partners work together to attain common goals while pursuing individual interests.
Marriage and family are less rigid due to changing gender roles, giving more personal independence. Benokraitis (2015) examines gender roles and marital communication in Marriages and Families Chapter 10. She supports equal couples who share decision-making and housework. This cultural shift toward egalitarianism reflects a growing awareness of the need for respect and cooperation in happy marriages. Risman (2015) analyzes “Interracial Families in Post-Civil Rights America” in Chapter 9 to highlight how gender and race affect families. Risman shows how gender and race affect families through interracial marriages. Gender fluidity allows interracial couples to date without prejudice. Intersectionality emphasizes the necessity for numerous identities and power dynamics in personal interactions by highlighting the complicated relationship between gender, race, and family life.
Marriage delays are common as society and youth priorities change. More people favor education, career progress, and personal growth over marrying young. According to Benokraitis (2015) in Marriages and Families Chapter 10, marriage delays affect relationship creation and stability. People can find themselves, follow their hobbies, and build lifetime relationships by delaying marriage. Delays increase maturity and self-awareness, affecting relationship goals and compatibility. Risman’s (2015) “The Marriage Movement” study in Families as They Are Chapter 20 explores marriage and family. Traditional marriage norms and legislation that support marital stability show that society sees marriage as a foundation for family and society.
Marital customs have become less important as marriage attitudes evolve, allowing people to adopt different relationship models and lifestyles. This social movement has de-stigmatized cohabitation, singlehood, and non-marital partnerships, giving people more options for relationships that fit their lifestyles and beliefs. Changes in workplace gender dynamics and economic instability have delayed marriage. Rising housing and student debt make it hard for young people to support their families. Women now prioritize jobs and financial independence above marriage due to increased work. Risman (2015) explores “New Couples, New Families” and how economic independence influences relationship durations and expectations. Chapter 12. As social, economic, and personal developments affect intimate relationships, marriage is delayed in the 21st century.
Over 70 years, cultural, sociological, economic, and human factors have changed relationship demography. Gender roles, economic freedom, and marital customs have changed personal relationships, giving people more options for partners and families. The articles have emphasized these tendencies, showing modern adults many possibilities. The trend of delaying marriage illustrates that society values personal growth, career advancement, and informed love decisions. As society evolves, we must accept and respect the range of relationship structures and alternatives for love, commitment, and family life. Accepting these shifts and promoting inclusivity can help all people form lasting relationships.
References
Amory, Deborah, and Sean Massey. “LGBTQ Legal History.” The Handbook of LGBT Elders: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Principles, Practices, and Policies.
Benokraitis, N. V. (2015). Marriages & families: Changes, choices, and constraints (8th ed.). Pearson.
Risman, B. J., & Rutter, V. E. (2015). Families as They Really Are (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
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