Adult School

By Anand S Bose

In light of the prevailing trend of relationship failures and declining family values worldwide, today's society has become increasingly chaotic, with peace seeming distant and improbable. However, this hasn't always been the case. Throughout human history, relations

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9789359899343

Book preview

Introduction

In the intricate tapestry of human connections, few bonds rival the complexity and significance of marriage. It's a union envisioned to weather life's storms, a promise woven with dreams of everlasting love and companionship. Yet, in the currents of our modern era, the once-sturdy ship of matrimony seems to navigate increasingly treacherous waters.

Across continents and cultures, a disquieting trend emerges—a rising tide of relational upheaval that threatens the sanctity and stability of marriages worldwide. Stories echo from bustling metropolises to serene countryside cottages, all sharing the common refrain of broken promises, shattered hearts, and the dissolution of once-vibrant unions.

What causes these fractures in the bedrock of our relationships? Is it the relentless pressures of contemporary life, the shifting dynamics of gender roles, or perhaps the digital tempest that disrupts our interpersonal shores?

This exploration endeavors to navigate these tempestuous waters, to comprehend the tempests that assail our bonds, and to illuminate a beacon of understanding amidst the turbulence. Through research, narratives, and insightful observations, we shall embark on a journey to uncover the roots of relational distress and seek the compass points that might guide us back to calmer seas.

In traversing these troubled waters, we aim not only to diagnose the ailments but to chart a course toward healing and resilience. As we set sail upon this odyssey through the realm of human connections, let us embark together on a quest to salvage, fortify, and celebrate the profound essence of enduring love and commitment.

So, cast off the moorings of preconceptions, and let us navigate these tumultuous tides of modern relationships together.

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1

The Changing Landscape of Relationships

Understanding why marriage has historically held such a pivotal role in society helps us comprehend the deep-rooted cultural, social, and practical reasons behind its existence. This exploration enables a deeper appreciation of how marriage has contributed to the fabric of human civilization and how its role continues to evolve in contemporary times.

At first, it is essential for us to determine the need to gauge why marriage might have been among the most integral bond framing the base of society and throughout time. Emphasizing on the significant points noting why marriage has historically been regarded as a crucial element in shaping the foundation of societies across different eras and therefore its foremost importance.

Building the foundation of society, Marriage has often been viewed as a cornerstone of societal structure. It establishes familial relationships, provides a framework for raising children, and forms the basic unit of social organization. By delving into why marriage has held this foundational role, one can uncover its historical, cultural, and practical significance in maintaining stability and order within communities.

The integral bond in marriage, as in many cultures, has been a foundational bond that brings individuals together into a recognized union. It's a bond that goes even beyond emotional connections; it involves legal, economic, and social ties that bind families, facilitate inheritance, and defines lineage. Understanding why this bond is considered integral helps in comprehending its impact on shaping kinship networks and social hierarchies.

By thoroughly examining why marriage has persisted as a fundamental societal institution across various historical periods, one can explore how it has adapted and transformed. This evolution can shed light on the changing roles, functions, and expectations associated with marriage in different cultures and eras of human civilization.

While it's difficult to determine accurately the very first instance of formalized relationships marriage, as a social construct, has existed across diverse cultures throughout millennia.

Marriage customs among ancient humans varied significantly across different cultures and time periods. While there isn’t a universally consistent practice, several patterns have been observed in various ancient societies, such as arranged marriages, polygamy and polyandry, bride price or dowry and perhaps the most popular among all these types the monogamous marriage traditions practiced and celebrated commonly among most cultures across human society.

The primary focus of our discussion in this book revolves around the monogamous version of marital relationships, as it aligns closely with the relatable subject of monogamous relationships. Other forms of marriage don’t directly contrast with the content and insights this book offers to its readers. The foundation of the theories here rests upon the significance of monogamous relationships among the diverse array of social marital arrangements practiced by humans throughout history.

The allure of monogamous relationships lies in their unique purpose within human societies. Throughout this text, I endeavor to articulate the manifold reasons why I consider monogamous relationships as one of the most influential and enduring bonds in human society. I illustrate these reasons with various examples presented within the book.

Allow me to begin by prompting readers to contemplate their familiarity with the phrase ‘Made for Each Other.’ For many who have experienced the depth of a loving relationship, this expression resonates as a profoundly cherished testament of love shared with a partner.

The statement ‘Made for Each Other’ encapsulates the essence of compatibility, connection, and a unique sense of belonging that exists between two individuals. It implies a deep emotional resonance and a mutual understanding that forms and extends among a pair yet lives beyond mere companionship. This phrase clearly signifies more than just a harmonious fit; it suggests a natural alignment of personalities, values, and goals within a loving relationship, which often finds its most profound manifestation between two individuals. I am certain that you would agree with the explanation that I have set with regards to the above statement makes absolute sense, and does not leave a chance for it to appear incorrect.

Now that we have made clear that human beings were Made for Each Other, let’s delve deep into discovering the facts and values that make each other better, as that is what this book is all about. But at first let’s look at how and why marriage might have evolved as an essential social institution.

The Sacred Values in Marriage & Relationships

Ancient customs and practices surrounding marital relationships in human society have long intrigued scholars from various disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and evolutionary psychology. The origins of these traditions often spark a multitude of hypotheses, each delving into the intricate tapestry of human behavior and societal structures. Anthropological perspectives explore the cultural contexts and rituals that shaped early notions of partnerships and unions, while sociological insights delve into the societal frameworks and power dynamics that influenced these customs.

Additionally, evolutionary psychology offers theories that delve into the adaptive nature of human behavior, aiming to decipher how these customs might have arisen as mechanisms for survival and reproduction. These diverse hypotheses collectively strive to unravel the complex tapestry of human history and elucidate the reasons behind the emergence of ancient marital customs and practices.

Religious and Cultural Values

Marriage customs across diverse societies often trace their origins to deeply ingrained religious or cultural beliefs, functioning as a means to sanctify unions and regulate societal conduct.

Embedded within these customs are reflections of the values, traditions, and ethical standards specific to a culture or religious practice. They serve as more than mere ceremonies; these rituals symbolize a sacred commitment, emphasizing the significance of the bond between two individuals within the larger fabric of community and spirituality. Through these customs, societies uphold and perpetuate their core beliefs, transmitting cultural heritage from one generation to another while reinforcing the importance of shared values and behavioral norms within the context of marriage and interpersonal relationships. These marriage customs not only sanctify unions but also act as guardians of cultural identity, preserving and perpetuating the rich tapestry of beliefs and customs that define a society.

Security and Protection

The genesis of marriage possibly stemmed from a fundamental need for security and protection within early human communities. Joining in a marital union could have been a strategic response to safeguarding individuals against external threats.

The partnership forged through marriage offered a crucial foundation for mutual support, creating a fortified bond that enabled individuals to confront challenges together. This alliance not only provided emotional sustenance but also served as a shield against adversities, both social and physical.

By joining forces within a committed relationship, individuals could pool their resources, strengths, and skills, thereby enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the world around them. In this light, marriage emerges as an ancient mechanism for fostering a sense of safety and solidarity within communities, amplifying the collective resilience of its members against the uncertainties of the environment.

However, theses hypotheses aren’t mutually exclusive, and different societies may have developed marriage customs based on a combination of these factors. Additionally, customs varied widely across cultures and evolved over time, often influenced by changes in social, economic, and religious landscapes.

Social Cohesion and Group Cooperation

The evolution of marriage rituals likely played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation and upholding social order within communities. Through the development of structured norms and ceremonies surrounding partnerships and inheritance, societies aimed to mitigate potential conflicts and uphold stability. These rituals served as a framework for delineating rights, responsibilities, and expectations within relationships, thus establishing a clear social order.

By defining parameters around marriage, including rules related to property, lineage, and familial bonds, these customs facilitated smoother interactions and minimized disputes. They provided a sense of predictability and structure, guiding individuals in their roles within the community and ensuring a cohesive functioning of society as a whole. In essence, marriage rituals were instrumental in nurturing cooperation and maintaining a harmonious balance within communities by regulating and solidifying social relationships.

Property and Inheritance

Throughout history, the institution of marriage held profound implications beyond emotional or relational aspects, extending into the realm of property ownership, inheritance rights, and the transmission of wealth.

Customary practices surrounding marriage served as structured mechanisms for the orderly transfer of property among families or clans. Marriage, in many societies, was not solely a union of hearts but a strategic alliance entailing the merging or transfer of assets, land, and possessions. These practices ensured the continuity and preservation of familial wealth and status, as well as delineated the rightful heirs to inherit these resources.

Consequently, marriage customs and rituals were intricately intertwined with the intricate web of property rights and the intergenerational passage of wealth, shaping the socioeconomic dynamics within communities across generations.

The Economic Exchange Theory

The hypothesis posits that the genesis of marriage stemmed from a strategic alliance-building mechanism between families or tribes. This ancient practice revolved around the exchange of goods, services, or resources as a means to fortify social connections and ensure economic stability. By intertwining familial units through matrimonial bonds, societies sought to forge enduring relationships that transcended individual lives. The exchange not only solidified alliances but also facilitated mutual support, enhancing the collective resilience and prosperity of the interconnected groups. This hypothesis underscores the foundational role of marriage as a pragmatic and mutually beneficial arrangement, beyond its romantic or emotional dimensions, in the early structuring of human societies.

Evolutionary Biology and Reproductive Strategies

Lastly certain theories posit that the evolution of marriage customs was intricately tied to securing the welfare and survival of offspring. Within this framework, the emergence of monogamous relationships was proposed as a strategic adaptation aimed at fostering stability and support for the upbringing of children. This concept suggests that by forming exclusive, committed partnerships, early societies aimed to create a conducive environment for raising offspring, thus increasing the likelihood of their survival.

Monogamy, in this context, was seen as a mechanism to ensure that parental care, resources, and protection were concentrated on a limited number of children, thereby maximizing their chances of thriving and perpetuating the lineage by passing on advantageous genetic traits. These theories underscore the evolutionary significance of monogamous relationships in the context of securing the welfare and continuity of future generations within human societies.

Monogamous Relationship & Marriage in Society

Monogamy is considered essential in many societies for various reasons, though it's not the most exclusive form of marital bond across all cultures.

Monogamy can contribute to social stability by establishing clear family structures and reducing competition and conflicts among individuals or groups within a society. It provides a framework for the orderly inheritance of property and the passing down of wealth.

The practice of monogamy is associated with greater parental investment in offspring. With two committed parents, there's a higher likelihood of both emotional and material support for children, which can contribute to their well-being and development. A committed relationship towards one partner can also help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections compared to more promiscuous mating practices.

Monogamous relationships often emphasize emotional intimacy and