Marriage: For Better or Worse

Marriage: For Better or Worse

Marriage is a type of personal partnership based on a contract between two responsible adults. It represents the pinnacle of the system governing human sexual relationships, aimed at forming a family and ensuring the continuity of the human race. Throughout history, the methods of marriage have evolved and varied across different peoples, religions, and beliefs, reflecting the richness of human nature and its ability to adapt and diversify.

Is There an Ideal Model for Marriage?

After all the experiences humanity has gone through regarding marriage, should one model prevail over all others today?
If the answer is yes, then we have failed to learn the lesson our ancestors tried to pass on: the importance of preserving human diversity. In reality, every individual should have absolute freedom in choosing the type of union that suits them, taking full responsibility for their decision. Our role, therefore, is to objectively present the different possibilities of marriage, acknowledging that new forms may emerge in the future based on human needs and evolution.

Marriage: Between Goals and Types

Marriage is a contract between two individuals under specific conditions, which may be for:

1. Sexual pleasure.
2. Sharing a life together.
3. Building a family and having children.

We can categorize marriage into three main types:

1. Unofficial Marriage (Customary or Free Relationship)

   • Not regulated by religious or legal systems.
   • Does not require formal documentation or witnesses.
   • Based solely on mutual consent between the partners.
   • No defined validity period or binding commitments.

2. Temporary Marriage (Marriage of Pleasure)

   • Can last from a few minutes to several years, depending on the agreement.
   • May require a written or verbal contract, sometimes with a witness, depending on religious affiliation.
   • Ends automatically after the agreed period or if one party fails to meet the agreed conditions.

3. Official Marriage (Religious or Legal)

   • Subject to civil or religious laws.
   • Requires official registration and legal documentation.
   • Ends only through divorce, which varies by religion (e.g., divorce is very restricted in Christianity).
   • The most widely practiced form of marriage worldwide.

Marriage Conditions: Between Tradition and Change

Several conditions may govern marriage, varying by culture and society:

• Dowry: It may be given by the man to the woman, or vice versa, depending on cultural norms.
• Financial responsibility: It can be shared or handled by one party.
• Property management: Couples may choose to merge or separate their assets.
• Reproduction or adoption: Specifies whether the marriage involves having or adopting children.
• Polygamy or polyandry: Accepted in some societies, rejected in others.
• Family name of children: Traditionally, children take the father’s surname, but mothers should have the right to pass on their names as well. Children should also have the right to choose their surname upon reaching adulthood.

These are the primary conditions, but marriage can also include additional agreements, such as sharing household responsibilities, deciding on the number of children, and more.

Does Marriage Have to Be Between a Man and a Woman?

Marriage should not be restricted to only a man and a woman. It can also be between two people of the same sex. In reality, many countries recognize same-sex marriages and grant them the right to form families through childbearing or adoption. Additionally, marriage does not necessarily have to involve a sexual relationship—some civil contracts, such as PACS (Civil Solidarity Pact) in France, are based on life partnership rather than romantic or sexual relationships.

The Concept of Virginity: Tradition vs. Evolution

The idea of female virginity is no longer an issue in most Western societies, but it remains a taboo in many cultures and even within certain social groups in the West.
In reality, virginity is a purely personal matter that concerns only the woman herself, and she alone should have the right to decide its fate. She may choose to address it medically, individually, or with a partner of her choosing, at the right time for her.

It’s important to note that female virginity is merely a biological remnant, much like wisdom teeth and the appendix, and will naturally disappear over time as human evolution continues.

Conclusion

Marriage is not a fixed institution, but rather a dynamic and diverse concept that evolves according to human needs and societal changes. There is no single “correct” model of marriage—there are multiple possibilities, all of which should be equally available to everyone.

In the end, freedom of choice is the most fundamental principle. Marriage should be based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than on imposed traditions and outdated social expectations.

You can also read: What is Faith?