Is Marriage Outdated?

In 2023, you’ll hear plenty of people who argue that marriage doesn’t make sense anymore.

They’ll say that marriage is just a piece of paper.

They’ll say that humans, particularly males, aren’t “naturally” monogamous.

They’ll say that you’ll be happier with lots of different thriving relationships…

Or better off committing to someone without all of the legal complications.

So… is it true? Is marriage outdated? Is it a thing of the past?

Here at Wives’ Tribe, we are fiercely combatting the idea that marriage is outdated. We believe it’s needed now more than ever.

First and foremost, MARRIAGE MAKES BETTER HUMANS.

This lifelong commitment makes each of us a better, more selfless person. Marriage encourages individuals to prioritize their partner’s needs and wants, while still taking care of their own. It’s not all about one person’s preferences, lifestyle choices, future plans, or sexual appetite. There’s always somebody else to consider.

When two people are married, they often learn to compromise and work together as a team to achieve mutual goals. Through marriage, individuals can learn to be better listeners, communicators, and problem-solvers. which can lead to a more harmonious relationship.

We believe God has ordained marriage.

1. Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

2. Hebrews 13:4: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

3. Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

God is omniscient and has His own reasons why He wants us to marry, but surely part of the purpose behind marriage is that it is a refiner’s fire. Although it can be difficult, it makes us better. It makes us more selfless. It teaches us what true love is, and helps us become more like Christ.

Another probable reason why God has ordained marriage is that it can offer enduring happiness and peace.

Next, MARRIAGE MAKES HAPPIER HUMANS.

Is marriage outdated? Well, let me ask you this… is peace and happiness outdated?

There is a large body of research that supports the idea that marriage makes people happier. Research proves that marriage can be beneficial for the physical and mental health of both partners, as it can provide companionship and support, which can lead to lower levels of stress.

Time and time again, studies have found that married people report higher levels of well-being than those who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed. This is especially true among older adults, who are more likely to experience loneliness and depression. Married people also tend to have longer lifespans, higher levels of physical and mental health, and better financial security. In addition, married couples often report feeling more satisfied with their relationships than those who are single.

Almost everyone prefers to come home to their best friend than to an empty house. Having a forever partner provides a sense of security that’s difficult to achieve otherwise.

Thirdly, MARRIAGE IS THE MOST ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCK OF SOCIETY.

Marriage is a strong foundation for building a family. Studies have found that marriage can have a positive impact on children’s well-being, and married couples are more likely to provide a stable home environment for children than unmarried couples.

When you get married, you announce your commitment publicly to your family and friends. You invest time and money in your wedding and future. With more commitment, a family is more likely to stay together… and we all know that human beings desperately need that network of support and love.

Here are a few sources demonstrating the importance of raising children within the bounds of marriage whenever possible:

1. Married Couples Provide a Stable Home Environment. Marriage provides a secure, stable home environment that is beneficial for children. According to a 2013 study by the National Marriage Project, “Children in married-parent families generally enjoy better physical health, psychological well-being, and educational attainment than do children in other family forms.” (Source: The National Marriage Project, http://nationalmarriageproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NMP-State-of-Our-Unions-2013.pdf)

2. Marriage Promotes Financial Stability. Marriage can provide an added layer of financial security for children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “Children living with married parents are typically more economically secure than those living with single parents.” (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/p23-210.pdf)

3. Marriage Promotes a Healthy Emotional Environment. Marriage provides a healthy environment for children to grow emotionally. According to a 2009 study by the National Center for Health Statistics, “Children living with married parents tend to be happier and better adjusted than those living with single parents.” (Source: National Center for Health Statistics, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr019.pdf)

4. Marriage Can Help Children Avoid Risky Behaviors. Married parents are more likely to monitor their children’s activities and provide guidance and support, which can help children avoid risky behaviors. According to a 2012 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Children and adolescents whose parents are married have lower rates of substance abuse and other risky behaviors than those with divorced or never-married parents.” (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db47.pdf)

Less importantly, but also worth noting, MARRIAGE OFFERS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES.

Marriage provides legal and social recognition of a couple’s commitment to each other. By entering into a marriage, couples receive legal rights and protections, such as the ability to make medical and financial decisions for each other and claim spousal benefits.

Finally, marriage can be a powerful way to foster economic prosperity. Married couples are more likely to have higher incomes and more savings than unmarried couples and single people, as marriage can provide a greater pool of resources and increased financial stability. Marriage can also provide a strong support system for both partners to help them achieve their professional and personal goals.

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Is marriage outdated?” gets a big NO from us. Marriage is still highly relevant and important in 2023, maybe more than ever before… done properly, it will render a future of stability, peace, and happiness.  

Other Sources

1. “Marriage and Family: Benefits of Marriage.” Family Education, https://life.familyeducation.com/marriage/benefits-of-marriage/50454.html.

2. “Marriage and Divorce: Changes and Their Driving Forces.” National Institute of Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK320181/.

3. “Marriage: A Key to Financial Security for Couples.” Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/regional-economist/october-2017/marriage-a-key-to-financial-security-for-couples.