Marriage is a universal phenomenon. All over the world people do marry. No doubt, many youngsters, particularly in the West prefer to have a live-in arrangement, yet people do marry. It is an institution that has withstood times immemorial. Since the days of Adam and Eve, a man getting attracted to woman has continued to exist, and this attraction usually culminates in a marriage, if both the partners decide to be together forever.
Marriage is a social obligation in many countries. In the West, pre-marital-sex is permitted, but yet couples like to get married. In the East, marriage is meant to meet social and emotional needs of a person, apart from being a social necessity. The concept of single woman is being adhered to by some women, particularly in the West, but in the Eastern countries it is not so well received.
Can one remain single?
- People marry for physical and emotional needs. This is much so in countries where pre-marital sex is a taboo, like for instance in the Eastern countries such as India. In the US, or rather in the Western countries, marriage is more of a bonding relationship. Courtship before marriage is permissible, so marriage is more a reason for maintaining long-term companionship.
- For many women, marriage means emotional and financial security. The husband for them is the bread-earner who takes care of the family. Now that women are also earning to enhance family income, the man also shares the responsibility of chores in the house.
- Single- hood means that one has to take care of personal responsibilities single-handedly without any help. For a woman this is not all that easy. No doubt, feminists may argue otherwise, but many women like to get some male help. In fact, even feminists do have male companions and take their help even if they are not married.
- In the East, marriage is a must, so single-hood is often questioned. Peer group pressure is there, and people are rather curious about their personal lives. In the West, not many eye-brows are raised, as people tend to lead their own lives. Also sex outside marriage is accepted.
- Single-hood can cause much loneliness. If one has the support of other family members then it is alright, but incase one is on one’s own then it is very difficult. Also socializing may be difficult as one may have to join a club to meet other people. Married people have their own social gatherings and may not invite a single person. This may restrict the social life of a single person.
- Now with growing economic independence many are opting to remain on their own as they would like to enjoy their independence. They prefer to lead a life of their own.
- Human beings usually need the companionship of another person. Men are very vulnerable to loneliness. They would like a woman to be with them to share their feelings etc. Women also need a partner, but can somehow manage on their own as they take it as a challenge to be single. In fact, many single women, who are financially sound are adopting a child as they feel they can financially and emotionally take care of child. This attitude is becoming popular in the West.
Single-hood is not the social norm all over the world, but yet some remain single. They like to retain their independence and freedom.