What is a Wife?
Monday, February 16th, 2009I found myself listening to a fascinating programme on Radio 4 this morning entitled What is a Wife?
The programme explored the changing trends in marriage and indeed whether marriage has a future in the 21st Century. It’s certainly true that marriage rates are dropping and co-habitation is increasing, but the programme suggested (as well as raising various humorous takes on marriage), that in fact in 25 years only 10% of the country may be in marriage and instead there may be renewable contracts.
Particularly when Valentines Day is only just behind us, it was surprising (and indeed somewhat refreshing) to hear such a non lovey-dovey take on marriage. That said, of course this country’s political parties appear desperate to support ‘the [married] family’ at the moment and it does appear that the stage is set for yet more controversy. The documentary raised the issue of parenting having been divorced from marriage and this scene which is evidenced in family courts up and down the country on a daily basis is certainly the root of the politicians’ interest in it all.
Is marriage heading for the rocks? I suspect not as, given I’m something of a romantic (and indeed an engaged romantic!), I believe there will always be a place for the ‘mystical’ side of marriage. However, what people must realise is that whilst marriage may be seen as an outdated tradition and divorce law is chaotic, sadly i legal terms cohabitation law is potentially even more of a mess.
PS - One wonderful thing about the documentary was the title music - “Housewife’s Alphabet” by Peggy Seeger, well worth 79p!