Many people have the desire of getting married and establishing their own families. This implies that people value the marriage institution because it is within the facet of this institution that families exist. Married couples have the responsibility of raising their children accordingly and, by observing societal values, moral and traditions. However, marriage institution faces numerous challenges such as domestic violence, divorce, and physical abuse, which prevent couples from enjoy their marriage life and raising their children effectively. In the last few years, divorce cases among married couples has increased steadily thus raising a concern to the public, government quotas, and religious leaders. In order to resolve this issue, policy makers have proposed the introduction of premarital education as a requirement before the state issues a marriage license.
Family scholars and counselors hold the view that premarital education will reduce divorce cases and promote marriage stability. Additionally, several nations across the globe have introduced legislations, which advocate for or consider premarital education as a requirement before marriage. For instance, under the Oklahoma statutes couples who have completed premarital course pay less for their marriage license; a trend that is being adapted by other states such as Arizona, Lowa, Indiana and Mississippi, to mention, but a few. Religious leaders have proclaimed that they would not conduct marriages ceremonies for couples who have not done premarital education (Schacht &Knox 176).
Premarital educations will reduce divorce cases, promote marital stability, and restore respect and dignity of marriage institution. As a new requirement, all couples will be required to undergo premarital education before issued with a marriage license. In order to enhance its effectiveness, premarital educations should be offered by professionals, marriage counselors, and religious leaders, accredited by the government. This move will foster professionalism and improve quality of education. Marriage license should only be issued to couples who have completed premarital course and meant its requirement. Additionally, premarital education should take into account customs, values, and traditions of the community. In other words, the state should acknowledge premarital education offered by community leaders especially in customary marriage.
Although premarital education helps in promoting marital stability and reducing divorce rates in the society, couples would be receptive. In most cases, couples hold the view that they cannot divorce because they believe divorce only happens to other people. The couple believes that their love will overcome all the challenges and obstacles in their marriage life. Based on this assertion, they would not take instructions seriously, as they do not value premarital education. Despite this shortfall, premarital educations should be a requirement before the state issues a marriage license.
Work cited
Schacht, Caroline, and David Knox. Choices in Relationships: An Introduction to Marriage and the Family, 11th ed.: An Introduction to Marriage and the Family. New York: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
