The Shifting Purpose of Marriage

Marriage was originally designed for practical reasons, such as the binding of women to men for family lineage and property rights, rather than for love. In ancient times, women's roles were primarily to produce legitimate offspring, and they were often seen as property traded for their reproductive capabilities. This perspective on marriage shifted over centuries, with influence from religious institutions that began to impose expectations of fidelity and respect. Despite these changes, the foundation of marriage was still rooted in patriarchal structures, highlighting that the concept of a partnership based upon mutual love is a relatively modern evolution.