Marriage is often viewed as the ultimate goal for many individuals. It is an institution that has its roots deep in human history and is present in every culture worldwide. However, the institution of marriage, its meaning, and the expectations we have of it have all undergone significant changes in recent decades. The high divorce rates of today’s society have sparked some debates over whether societal pressures contribute to divorce. In this article, we will explore the societal pressures that could possibly lead to divorce.
Societal Expectations of Marriage
There is no denying that we all have expectations of marriage as a societal institution. In most cultures, marriage is considered an ideal means of attaining happiness, success, and stability. Society places a high value on marriage, and often individuals who remain single past a certain age are looked down upon, questioned, and even ostracized.
These societal pressures lead many individuals to rush into marriage hastily, often without properly evaluating if it is truly what they want for themselves. Society’s expectations of marriage can put an immense load of pressure on couples to meet these expectations, and when they do not, it often leads to disillusionment and, ultimately, divorce.
Changes in Gender Roles
Over the last century, we have seen significant changes in how gender roles are defined in marriage and in the wider society. In the past, women had limited opportunities outside of the home, and their primary role was as a homemaker and caregiver. Men, on the other hand, were usually the sole breadwinners and had little involvement in household chores or child rearing.
Today, gender roles in marriage have evolved, and men and women often have similar career aspirations and home responsibilities. However, these changes often result in conflicts that many couples find difficult to navigate. Women often feel that they are expected to be as successful as men in their careers while bearing an equal share of household and childcare responsibilities. This expectation can be extremely overwhelming. These conflicts can contribute to marital discord and, in some cases, may lead to divorce.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media has brought about a significant change in how we communicate and connect with others. It has played a role in shaping our attitudes and expectations of relationships and marriage. Sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok often depict portrayals of the ideal couple, which can be unrealistic and damaging for those who are in relationships.
In the age of social media, we have become obsessed with appearances, and that obsession sometimes spills over to our relationships. Our fixation with presenting the perfect couple online has led many individuals to prioritize the appearance of their relationship over the actual meaningful interaction that takes place between partners. The effort devoted to presenting ourselves in a certain way online can often come at the expense of time that could better be spent in building intimacy and relationship skills.
The Effect of Economic Pressures on Marriage
Money troubles can add significant stress to a marriage or even be the root cause of some conflicts and eventual divorces. Economic pressures can lead to different expectations of the marriage and strain on the relationship. For instance, if one partner is unable to work due to a disability or job loss, it puts a financial strain on the relationship and can lead to stress between partners. The stress can result in conflicts over how to handle finances and even lead to one spouse blaming the other for the financial woes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the pressure individuals feel from society, the changes in gender roles, the impact of social media, and economic difficulties all contribute to the high divorce rates prevalent today. It is imperative that we recognize the various pressures couples face in their marriages and begin to address them constructively. It is no surprise that successful marriages do not happen by chance. It takes openness, communication, and deliberate effort on the part of both partners to navigate the various pressures that society imposes on them and build a fulfilling and lasting relationship.