Transition Of The Marriage Institution

Running head: TRANSITION OF THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION 1

Transition of the Marriage Institution

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TRANSITION OF THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION 2

Transition of the Marriage Institution

Introduction

The rise of Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) relationships has disrupted

the traditional marriage institution. Same-sex marriages have altered the traditional legal

architecture of the wedding, assumed the foundation of conventional gender norms. As such, the

need to revisit earlier assumptions continues to grow as societies differ on the matter. There have

been hot debates concerning the place and implications of same-sex marriages in the

communities, where advocates are growing day by day. The marriage institution is fragile and

hegemonic. The acknowledgment of LGBT marriages in some countries such as the United

States has changed the legal definition of the family (DePrince, 2015). The legal recognition of

same-sex marriages has led to a substantial growth of the couples, particularly in the United

States. In this vein, the future of marriage remains unknown. This paper examines the rise of

same-sex marriages and their impact on the traditional marriage institution.

The history of the family union system is long. It has undergone through changes ranging

from the same community and interracial marriage prohibitions to same-sex couples. The once

prohibited and unacceptable aspects of marriage have become legit and socially acceptable

(Dinno, 2014). The prevalence of same-sex marriages elicits a contested debate politically,

religiously, socially, and economically. The institution of marriage has more characteristics than

just a simple family with one man and one woman (Allen and Price, 2015). It advanced to

include polygamous relationships, where individuals can have multiple spouses at the same time.

Today, the most significant change involves same-sex marriages of gay and lesbian relationships

(Dinno, 2014). The fundamental role of a traditional couple is to procreate. Same-sex marriages

have brought in new dimensions in the institution. Man and wife setting is the most culturally

TRANSITION OF THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION 3

accepted arrangement that promotes the welfare of children. Same-sex marriages have

revolutionized the traditional marriage system since none of the partners can legally claim the

biological fatherhood or motherhood of their adopted children.

A rich body of literature shows that same-sex marriages lack the approval of

communities and most religions in many countries. For instance, Christians believe that LGBT

couples contravene the original will of God (Dinno, 2014). Most societies acknowledge marriage

as an institution that holds the survival and continuation of family lines through procreation. Gay

and lesbian marriages lack this capability. Contrastingly, Farmer and Horowitz (2015) argue that

marriage is evolutionary, and societies should welcome the changes. Further, DePrince (2015)

holds that marriage depends on the formal commitment and responsibility of two or more people.

Thus, society should allow people, either gay or lesbians who intend to commit to each other, to

freely do so.

According to Dinno (2014), same-sex marriages have continually received substantial

recognition such as legalization in various countries including the United States and Netherlands.

Several countries have given in to the pressures of multiple lawsuits filed demanding for the

approval of gay and lesbian marriages. Various countries including America’s six States and the

District of Columbia, South Africa, and most of the E.U Nations have legally allowed same-sex

marriages. Substantial evidence suggests that same-sex marriage laws allow for equal protection,

economic, and social security rights. Allen and Price (2015) reveal that the argument whether

marriage should submit to government institutions or religious organizations begun after the

separation of church and the state.

The future of marriage remains unpredictable in the wake of disruptive relationship

behaviors including interracial marriages, same community marriages, and polygamy. These

TRANSITION OF THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION 4

changes were once unacceptable in many settings. However, historical developments and the

increasing prevalence of gay and lesbian relationships show that many societies, governments,

and religions might eventually accept same-sex marriages (Farmer & Horowitz, 2015).

Furthermore, the increasing pressure to enumerate same-sex couples for social security benefits

and other rights like different unions, predict not only acceptance but also legal and social

recognition.

Conclusion

LGBT relationships present the biggest challenge to the traditional family institution.

Researchers argue that same-sex marriages are gaining momentum across many countries.

Several governments have passed laws governing LGBT rights as an evidence of approval and

recognition. However, gay and lesbian marriages lack societal and religious support in many

countries. They cannot procreate, and hence, do not support life continuation of lineages. Recent

research shows that lobby for constitutional recognition of same-sex marriages is gaining

momentum. Various governments have passed laws governing and protecting same-sex

marriages. Gay and lesbian relationships are increasing. Societies are slowly accepting same-sex

marriages. Thus, the phenomenon is likely to be widely acceptable in future.

TRANSITION OF THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION 5

References

Allen, D. W., & Price, J. (2015). Same-Sex Marriage and Negative Externalities: A Critique,

Replication, and Correction of Langbein and Yost. Econ Journal Watch, 12(2), 142-160.

DePrince, M. S. (2015). Same-Sex Marriage and Disestablishing Parentage: Re-conceptualizing

Legal Parenthood through Surrogacy. Minnesota Law Review, 100(2), 797-837.

Dinno, A. (2014). Comment on 'the Effect of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Different-Sex

Marriage: Evidence from the Netherlands.' Demography, 51(6), 2343-2347.

Farmer, A., & Horowitz, A. W. (2015). Same-sex relationship escalation with doubtful marriage

legality: Theory and empirical implications. Southern Economic Journal, 81(4), 995-

1011.

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