Introduction
The American Society represents a typical society that is characterized by high levels of social stratifications. Different individuals belong to various social classes depending on their socioeconomic status. Research has shown that the stability and the level of satisfaction in a romantic union have a significant bearing on the socioeconomic status of individuals (Heaton 396). Additionally, the social status affects the strength of the bond among partners. Arguably, the establishment of power in spousal relationships is related to the socioeconomic class that the partners belong. The quality of the relationship and the tendency of youths to engage in marriage relationships have a significant correlation with socioeconomic statuses (Heaton 396). The economic changes that have resulted from the frequent occurrences of economic crisis have affected both the social and economic status of various individuals. Consequently, the marriage institution has experienced fundamental changes due to financial and social problems caused by personal adjustments to these changes. This paper will examine the effects of socioeconomic statuses on the marriage and conclude by making relevant deductions from the major concepts in the paper.
Conger, Katherine and Monica (701) found that the social class of individuals significantly determines their tendency to engage in spousal relationship and the quality of the relationship they form. In the contemporary society, various factors dictate the socioeconomic status of different people. Some individuals are born in stable families. As such, they enter high social class right from birth. Different individuals have varying perceptions on the issue of marriage depending on their social and economic status. Research has revealed that women in low- income classes have low tendency to marry compared to their high- income class counterparts (Finkel et al. 239). Some theoretical work has shown that low- income women tend to have high and virtually unattainable social and economic standards that they set for the type marriage they want, but their economic status does not allow them to meet those standards. Additionally, theories have stated that women with low socioeconomic status are more likely to have children outside the marriage (McLanahan, Sara, and Christine 264). Thus, the socioeconomic status determines the marriage stability and the level of fidelity among couples. Low socioeconomic statuses may prompt some marriage partners to engage in extramarital affairs to improve their economic and social status.
The marital fertility is different among various couples depending on their socioeconomic statuses. Studies have shown that individuals with low economic status have greater exposure to poor economic conditions. As such, they have low tendency to engage in successful marriage relationships. Also, the studies show that unmarried women in low social and income classes tend to reduce their fertility and have poor perceptions of marriage (McLanahan and Christine 268). The choice of the marriage partner is significantly influenced by the status of the individuals. Some people tend to take a long time before they get the right persons to match with their socioeconomic status. High-income earners often seek marriage partners who match their status. Men in high social classes take a long time looking for women who meet their marriage partners of the caliber they need. Additionally, individuals from families in high socioeconomic status tend to seek association with those in higher classes. Thus, mismatch tends to exist as ladies look for men who can improve their status while men are looking for associations with high-class women. Therefore, the length of time taken before marriage is significantly affected by socioeconomic status.
The decision to engage in marriage relationships and the type of family that various individuals wish to have depends significantly on their social and economic status. Scholars have revealed how disparities exist in the ways different persons perceive marriage and make decisions. Socioeconomic statuses have significant contributions to shaping the decisions of various individuals regarding marriage and the number of children they should have (Maslauskaite et al. 903). However, some researchers have argued that fertility and economic status have relatively become uncorrelated whereby some women do not consider their economic status to make decisions concerning childbearing. Most unmarried women with low socioeconomic status have limited opportunities for social mobility. However, this does not prevent them from giving births (McLanahan and Christine 261). Thus, social and economic limitations may not be a significant hindrance to engaging in marriage relationships or raising children.
Some theorists have argued that marriage should be tied to a specific level of social and economic standards, which should be universal (Conger, Katherine and Monica 693). However, if the society adheres to this requirement, some individuals with limited economic means will be barred from engaging in marriage relationship since they have economic difficulties that cannot allow them to meet the set standards. This argument shows how social and economic disparities can lead to different marriage perceptions. Additionally, the argument describes how socioeconomic differences can result in the development of stratifications in the marriage institution, which may affect social development and family settings.
Socioeconomic statuses have significant contributions to the occurrences of the incidences of divorce and the tendency of some individuals to engage in marriage relationships with old partners. Marriage between old women and young boys and between old men and young girls is one of the emerging issues in marriage institution (Finkel et al. 242). The need to attain high social and economic standards has prompted some young people to engage in relationships with old individuals. On the other hand, some old people with high socioeconomic status have diverted their attention to young people. These changes are contributed by the desire to change social and economic status, have serious implications for marriage institution and it purpose. The foundation of the family is under threat due to rapid changes that are taking place that lead to the diversion of the purpose of marriage towards the fulfillment of social and economic desires. Additionally, different social and economic expectations by partners in marriage relationships have resulted in marital conflicts that often lead to the breakdown of marriages. Different people have various expectations when entering into marriage relationships (Finkel et al. 241). Most people seek to improve their social and economic status after getting married. However, changes in economic environment tend to limit the capacities of different partners to meet these expectations. As a result, marital conflicts often occur, resulting in divorce and destruction of marriage.
Conclusion
Socioeconomic statuses have numerous effects on various aspects of the marriage. They affect the positions of spouses in the family and modify the perceptions of couples towards marriage. The decision to marry and raise children has a significant bearing on individuals’ socioeconomic status. People in different social and economic classes tend to have varying views on the marriage and they tend to be highly selective as to the type of marriage they would like to have. Men from families with high socioeconomic status have been found to move parallel with ladies from families with equal social status, since they seek to improve their current status. The duration of marriage has also been found to be related to individuals’ socioeconomic status. The occurrences of marital conflicts that often lead to breakages of the marriage relationships are positively correlated with socioeconomic standards and the expectations of different partners in marriage. The establishment of relationships between youths and old people is linked to the desire to improve socioeconomic status, and this issue has serious implications for the success of marriage and family development. Thus, the success of a marriage cannot be disentangled from the social and economic needs.
Works Cited
Conger, Rand., Katherine J. Conger, and Monica J. Martin. "Socioeconomic status, family processes, and individual development."Journal of Marriage and Family 72.3 (2010): 685-704. Web
Heaton, Tim. "Factors contributing to increasing marital stability in the United States." Journal of Family Issues 23.3 (2002): 392-409. Print
Finkel, Eli., et al. "The Suffocation Model Why Marriage in America Is Becoming an All-or-Nothing Institution." Current Directions in Psychological Science 24.3 (2015): 238-244. Web
Maslauskaite, Ausra, et al. "Socio-economic determinants of divorce in Lithuania: Evidence from register-based census-linked data." Demographic research 33 (2015): 871-908. Web
McLanahan, Sara, and Christine Percheski. "Family structure and the reproduction of inequalities." Annu. Rev. Sociol 34 (2008): 257-276. Print
