Evaluate the view that the improved position of women in society is the main reason for a decline in marriage.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2022
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Introduction
This essay will evaluate the view that the improved position of women in society is the main reason for the decline in marriage. It will explore both supporting and opposing arguments, drawing on relevant sociological theories and research evidence.
Arguments Supporting the View
Increased Economic Independence
Discuss how women's economic independence, stemming from factors like increased access to education and employment, has reduced their reliance on marriage for financial security.
Prioritizing Career and Education
Explore the growing trend of women prioritizing career and education over marriage and family, leading to a delay or avoidance of marriage.
Rising Expectations of Marriage
Examine how women's expectations of marriage have evolved, leading to a greater emphasis on equality and shared responsibility. Discuss how this may contribute to a reluctance to marry if these expectations are not met.
Increased Individualism
Analyze the role of individualism in modern society and how it has shifted women's focus towards personal fulfillment and self-expression, potentially leading to a decline in marriage.
Rejection of Patriarchy
Discuss how women's improved social status and rejection of patriarchal norms have contributed to a questioning of traditional marriage structures.
Social Policies and Rights
Explore how social policies that have enhanced women's rights and opportunities, such as the Equal Pay Act, have empowered them to make independent choices regarding marriage.
Change in Social Expectations
Examine how changing social expectations regarding women's roles and responsibilities have altered the perceived necessity of marriage.
Improved Access to Contraception
Discuss how women's control over their bodies and reproductive choices, facilitated by contraception, has reduced the pressure to marry for the purpose of procreation.
Greater Choice and Family Diversity
Analyze the rise of alternative family forms, such as cohabitation, and how they offer women more choice and flexibility beyond traditional marriage.
Welfare System Support
Explore how welfare systems provide financial support to single mothers, reducing the reliance on a male partner and potentially influencing marriage decisions.
Remarriage and Same-Sex Marriage
Discuss how the continued presence of remarriage and the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage suggest a shift in the institution of marriage, rather than a complete decline.
Cost of Marriage
Examine how the increasing cost of weddings may contribute to a preference for cohabitation, as couples may not be able to afford a traditional marriage.
Arguments Against the View
Persistence of Patriarchy
Discuss the argument that women's position in society has not improved significantly due to the continued presence of patriarchy, which may still influence marriage decisions.
Secularization and Declining Religious Influence
Analyze the role of secularization in society, exploring how its declining influence on marriage has made cohabitation more socially acceptable.
Fear of Divorce and Risk Aversion
Examine the potential for individuals to avoid marriage due to a fear of divorce and the associated financial and emotional costs.
Reduced Stigma and Changing Attitudes
Explore how changing social attitudes have reduced the stigma associated with cohabitation and having children outside of marriage.
Divorce Acts and Easier Dissolution
Analyze how the introduction and implementation of Divorce Acts have made ending marriage easier, potentially contributing to a decline in marriage rates.
Persistence of Marriage Aspirations
Discuss the argument that despite improved social status, marriage remains a goal for many women, suggesting that the decline is not solely due to women's improved position.
Declining Extended Family Influence
Examine how the decline of extended family structures and the weakening of traditional family values have influenced the perceived importance of marriage.
Reduced Functions of the Family
Analyze how the changing functions of the family have diminished the necessity of marriage for providing specific needs, such as financial security or childcare.
Research Evidence and Theoretical Perspectives
Present key research findings and sociological perspectives that support both sides of the argument. Use evidence from sociologists such as Sharpe, Chester, Wilkinson, Hochschild, Beck, Murray, Fletcher, and others.
Conclusion
Conclude by summarizing the main arguments and evidence presented, acknowledging the complexities of the issue. Offer a balanced evaluation of the view that the improved position of women is the main reason for the decline in marriage, considering both supporting and opposing perspectives. Acknowledge that multiple factors may contribute to the changing landscape of marriage, and further research is necessary to fully understand this societal phenomenon.
Evaluating the Decline in Marriage: Is Women's Improved Position the Main Reason?
The institution of marriage has undergone significant transformations in recent decades, evidenced by a decline in marriage rates across many Western societies. While many factors contribute to this trend, the question arises: to what extent is the improved position of women in society the primary driver of this decline? This essay will evaluate the arguments supporting and challenging this view, drawing upon sociological research and concepts.
Arguments Supporting the View
Proponents of this view argue that women's increased economic independence plays a significant role. As women gain greater access to education and employment opportunities, they are less reliant on marriage for financial security.
Sharpe's (1976) research highlighted this shift in aspirations, with young women prioritizing careers and education over marriage and family life. This newfound independence allows women to prioritize personal fulfillment and delay or forgo marriage altogether.
Furthermore, the rise of individualism and changing social expectations have contributed to this trend. Giddens (1992) argues that in postmodern society, relationships are increasingly based on confluent love – a desire for personal growth and self-discovery. This emphasis on individual needs can lead to less stable relationships, as individuals are less likely to remain in a marriage that does not fulfill their personal goals.
Moreover, the feminist perspective argues that the traditional institution of marriage reinforces patriarchal structures that disadvantage women. Hochschild (1989) suggests that women often bear a disproportionate burden of housework and childcare, even within dual-income families. This "second shift" can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict within marriage, making it a less appealing prospect for women seeking equality and autonomy.
Arguments Challenging the View
Conversely, critics argue that while women's position has improved, it is not the sole or even primary factor driving the decline in marriage. They highlight the broader societal shifts, such as secularization, which has diminished the religious and social pressures to marry. Cohabitation, once considered taboo, is now widely accepted, offering an alternative to marriage. This suggests that factors beyond women's changing roles are reshaping family structures.
Furthermore, the increased economic pressures and anxieties of modern life, as highlighted by Beck (1992) in his concept of the "risk society," may deter some from marriage. The fear of divorce and its financial and emotional consequences can make cohabitation or remaining single seem like less risky options, regardless of gender.
Additionally, the decline of the extended family and its influence also plays a role. With fewer multigenerational households and reduced social pressure from kin, the traditional support systems that once encouraged and sustained marriage have weakened. This decline in external pressures further contributes to the trend away from marriage.
Conclusion
While the improved position of women in society has undoubtedly played a role in the decline in marriage, it is too simplistic to identify it as the sole or even the main cause. The decision to marry or not is influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors. Secularization, changing social attitudes, economic anxieties, and the decline of traditional family structures all contribute to this trend. Therefore, understanding the decline in marriage requires a nuanced approach that considers the multifaceted changes shaping contemporary society's relationship with this institution.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Evaluate the view that the improved position of women in society is the main reason for a decline in marriage.
In support of the view
- Increased economic independence – women no longer need to marry for economic security.
- Increasingly women give priority to career/education over marriage/family.
- Women's expectations of marriage have risen – they are less willing to take on the demands of a housewife and mother. Cohabitating women tend to take on less housework than married women.
- Increased individualism – women's relationships are based more on necessity and self-fulfillment rather than traditional expectations, making them less likely to marry.
- Increasingly patriarchy is being rejected as women gain improved social status.
- Social policies have given women more rights – improving their status and opportunities.
- Change in social expectations of women – they are no longer tied to or expected to follow traditional norms of marriage/family.
- Improved access to contraception – women have more control of their bodies and can avoid pregnancy.
- Greater choice – women are no longer tied to the traditional family form. The growth in family diversity, such as cohabitation, is evidence of this.
- The welfare system – young mothers don’t need to rely on a child's father for financial support as the state can provide assistance.
- Increased levels of remarriage/growth in same-sex marriage – shows that marriage is not necessarily in decline.
- Increased cost of wedding – some couples cohabitate because they cannot afford a lavish event.
Against the view
- Women’s position has not improved and cannot improve due to existing patriarchy.
- Secularisation – the declining influence of religion on marriage – means that cohabitating is no longer considered sinful.
- More people wish to avoid the risk of a potentially expensive divorce.
- Reduced stigma/changing social attitudes – living together/having children out of wedlock is no longer seen as taboo.
- The introduction of Divorce Acts – made ending marriage easier.
- Marriage is still something that women pursue, despite their improved position.
- Decline in extended family influence.
- Reduced functions of the family means marriage is no longer a necessity.
- Declining influence of the extended family.
Research Evidence
- Supporting view: Sharpe, Chester, Wilkinson, Hochschild, postmodernism, feminism.
- Against view: Beck, functionalism, Murray, New Right, Fletcher, postmodernism, radical feminism.
Additional Concepts
- Dual career/income families
- Patriarchy
- Consumer culture
- Individualism
- Equal Pay Act
- Cohabitation
- New man
- New father
- Globalisation
- Risk society
- Divorce Reform Acts
- Remarriage
The above content is indicative, and other relevant approaches to the question should be rewarded appropriately.