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The idea and institution of marriage isn’t what it was 2 decades ago. We can attribute these changes to the evolution of social norms, ethics and the concept of gender in general. However, many newly weds still enter into a marriage these days, imagining it would be exactly like it was during their parents’ and grandparents’ days. 

To save you from what would otherwise be a really rude awakening, RAAGA has put together a list of 4 simple yet fundamental ways marriage has evolved over the years so that you, our beloved readers, may very well make an informed decision in entering into it. 

1.    Reason
Generations ago, marriages weren't necessarily about love or just two people. People got married for various reasons such as the joining of two families on various levels, business connections, protection and survival in general. This is the main reason marriages were arranged and arranged marriages thrived as they fulfilled the reasoning. 

In this day and age, people get married for love. While a huge population amongst the current generation don’t mind spending their lives single and in pursuit of their dreams, there are still many that do want to get married. However, those who dream of the wedding bells are mostly determined to share their lives with a person of their choice instead.

2.    Responsibilities

When it comes to the segregation of responsibilities in a relationship, gender roles used to play a major part in determining who does what in a marriage. For example, it used to be the men’s responsibility to provide for the family while women took on the role of nurturing and caring for the needs of the family.

However, in this day and age where gender roles are almost non-existent, responsibilities are mostly shared between spouses, if not reversed! While both men and women go out and earn for the family, chores and the responsibility of raising the kids are equally shared in the marriage with each marriage operating with it’s own unique dynamics.

3.    Romance

Back then, among the community, the notion of romance before marriage wasn't as accepted by most families. Although this idea is still prevalent among some, the number is very small.

A large number of the community has embraced the idea of love along with the evolution for the reason behind marriage. To put it simply, back in the days people fell in love following arrangement of marriages and some marriages were doomed with no chemistry and love between the couple resulting in very unhappy households for some. This was also the reason the notion of divorce has started to be accepted among the community. In this day and age however, people are free to date, fall in love and eventually choose to walk into marriage with the person of their choice. Although divorce rates are at an exceptional high, there are more happy families and happier marriages in this day and age, study shows.

4.    Family Planning
Family planning used to be an alien idea among the people of our community. However, in this day and age, married couples plan on expanding their family based on their financial and lifestyle capabilities, resulting in lower birth rates and higher education rates. 

Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to RAAGA!