Evolution of Marriage and Family



Evolution of Marriage and Family

Introduction

Families can be regard as care institution, which vary from culture to culture and over the time. Historically, the main purpose behind family development was to contribute to the basic economic survival of family members, therefore, the structure of families often adapts to the economy, for which cultural ideologies and laws have been developed to reinforce this adaptation (Hill, 2011, n.d). The evolution of family can be traced back to the ancient Roman history, where the families and marriages were guarded by powerful husbands, who have the power of life and death over his family. Gradually, changes brought it towards easy divorcing between husband and wife, and then to the more equal partnership and marriage for life in Christianity.

Discussion

Evolution of Marriage and Family from 100 AD to 500 AD of Roman Empire

In ancient Rome marriages had mythical patterns, beginning with the kidnap of Sabine Women, which reflects the archaic custom of bride abduction. The Sabine maidens were abducted by Romulus and his men, who had promised to these women an honorable marriage, in which they would enjoy the advantages of citizenship, property, and children. These three advantages seem to define the major purpose of marriage in ancient Rome (www.crystalinks.com). Thus, the purpose behind marriage emergence in early periods of Roman history is the idea to produce legitimate children. Further, consortium, which means sharing of property, was commonly seen in Christian writing.

In early period of Roman history when marriages emerged, they were mostly regarded more as political or financial alliances than as an emotional companionship, specifically in upper class. Women didn't have much choice regarding their life partner's age, appearance, education, or anything. They had to survive with their husbands even if they don't want to or they can't. Thus, women were very much dependant first on their father, before marriage, then on their husband after marriage.

Thus, in that period the households and families emerged as the basic units, which include the father (head of the family), his wife, children, and other relatives. The head of the family, which is usually a father, poses great power over his family. The head could force marriages and divorce, sell his children to slavery, claim his defendant's property as his own, and even had the right to penalize and slaughter his family members (www.crystalinks.com). The fathers were even extended over their son within ...