, "ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT, NOT LEAD POST--NO NEED FOR GROUP TO RESPOND".

1. The changing role of marriage i.e. economic marriage to companion marriage and how that shifts our understanding of the role of marriage and family

It is understood in society that there is a distinct difference between youth and adulthood. But when do we really reach that difference.  Most scholars dictate that it is at the age when we achieve three things: marriage, independent living, and a job. In this economy two of these things are quite difficult to acquire. There is no set age for the “end of youth”; it is something that has changed over time.

            Pregnancy without marriage has a negative stigma in our present day society. It defies the norms that society has set in place and is often looked down upon. 

            Teenagers that get pregnant, without marriage or plans for marriage are victims to this stigma. There are many factors one must consider with the role of marriage. For economical reasons, especially in an lower class that might depend on government support and food stamps, marriage might be out of the question. Companion marriage at a young age has a higher chance for divorce. We all know we weren’t quite who we were meant to be at 16, and although we may have though we knew it all, we were probably mistaken.  Marriage at a young age, only because of a pregnancy can lead to bitterness and divorce.

            Marriage, the union between two people who want to spend their lives together is a seemingly simple idea. Our understanding of marriage shifts when society begins to judge who is allowed to marry and when. The role that marriage plays in the “end of youth” also shows the distinction between child and adult. Pregnancy itself can be controversial without a ring on the left hand. But “babies having babies” and then getting married only causes more concern and negative stigmas.

            While most teenagers aren’t equipped to take care of a baby, independently of their own families, it isn’t really a radical idea. Sure, it was in a different time, but in the middle ages and industrial revolution, the average age for marriage and children was absurdly lower than societal standards today.

            Taken into consideration, the role marriage plays has drastically shifted to alter our understanding of societal norms


Samantha Brayer.