WHY MARRIAGE IS MORE OF A TRANSACTION

Marriage, often regarded as a sacred union of love and commitment, can also be understood as a transaction in both historical and contemporary contexts.

In many societies, marriage has not only been about emotional connection but also about practical considerations-social, economic, and political transactions that bind individuals together in mutually beneficial ways.

This transactional view of marriage has roots that stretch back centuries, where alliances, dowries, and inheritance played pivotal roles in shaping the institution.

Historically, marriage was predominantly viewed as a social contract rather than a romantic partnership. In many ancient cultures, family and societal structures prioritized alliances that benefited both parties.

For example:

Marriages were often arranged to consolidate power, wealth, or land.

Parents would choose spouses for their children based on considerations of family reputation, social standing, and material gain, rather than personal affection.

In this context, the union served as a strategic transaction where both families sought to advance their status or secure their legacy.

The concept of dowries, which existed for centuries across various cultures, further highlights the transactional nature of marriage. A dowry, often a sum of money, property, or goods, was given by the bride's family to the groom or his family as part of the marriage agreement. This exchange, intended to provide financial support for the newlyweds, also reflected the transactional exchange of assets.

In some societies, a dowry was seen as a form of security for the wife, but in others, it acted more like a purchase price for the bride.

The economic aspects of marriage continue to persist today. In modern society, marriage still often involves practical considerations, such as the pooling of resources, economic stability, and the management of finances.

For many couples, marriage remains an important financial transaction that includes sharing income, owning property together, and making joint decisions about how to manage wealth.

The act of merging households and combining resources provides tangible benefits, such as tax advantages, health insurance coverage, and retirement savings. For some individuals, the economic advantages of marriage are a significant motivator, especially in a context where economic pressures can strain personal relationships.

From a legal perspective, marriage also serves as a contract between two individuals, conferrinf legal rights and responsibilities. In many jurisdictions, marriage grants spouses the right to inheritance, medical decision- making, and access to various legal benefits.

In case of divorce, marital assets are typically divided based on legal agreements, further reinforcing the idea of marrige as a financial transaction. The legal framework surrounding marriage, including alimony and child support, highlights how the state intervenes in what is otherwise a personal relationship, formalizing the economic aspects of the union.

Marriage also functions as a transaction on a sociocultural level. In many societies, marrige is expected as a milestone in an individual's life. The social pressure to marry and the expectation that indiviuals will form families leads people to view marriges as a means of fulfilling societal norms and expectations. In this sense, marriage can be seen as a transaction between an individual and society, where the individual conforms to social norms in exchange for acceptance and validation.

The transactional nature of marriage can also be seen in the context of gender roles.

Historically, women were often expected to marry for financial security, while men viewed marriage as a way to ensure domestic stability and the continuation of their family line.

Even today, in some parts of the world, women's financial dependence on their husbands and the expectation that they bear children perpetuate this transactional view of marriage. Although gender dynamics have evolved in many societies, marriage still often carries implicit expectations regarding the roles of each partner in the relationship.

In conclusion, while marriage is often viewed through the lens of love and companionship, it is also a complex social, economic, and legal transaction. Throughout history and in contemporary society, marriage has been a means of securing resources, social status, and legal benefits. Whether through dowries, legal contracts, or societal expectations, marriage is more than a simple union of hearts-it is also a strategic alliance with significant practical and transactional components.

Understanding marriage as a transaction does not necessarily diminish its emotional or romantic aspects but acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the institution in both personal and societal contexts.

So Friends, what are your thoughts on this subject?