Actually, if you look at marriage in the historical context, marriage was about power, influence, financial interests, etc. Things like 'love' came secondary. Religion played a large role in marriage historically because religion had a huge role in the everyday life of all social classes back in the day. The fact that the religious clergy were often in bed with those of power, meant they were the ones often with power (see Catholicism throughout the centuries). However, these days religion is secondary in most societies and marriage has become more of a vestigial tradition, than a necessity. It's one of the few means of power religion has left to leverage.
The Catholic church and religion in general has greatly influenced and shaped the patriarchal society we have today. Marriage was traditionally one of these ways of reinforcing a patriarchal society. It's a highly sexist practice (and not in the sense of gay marriage). i.e. Men having to buy the women the rings, men having to spend 2-months salary on an engagement ring, the dowry, etc.
In fact, I think as a society, the reason why divorce rates are increasing so much reflects the values of people today and how they've come to value marriage as less of a necessity for survival. I haven't done any research on this, but it's plausible that since the era of women's rights and the movement towards equality amongst the sexes; marriage has only become more and more obsolete. No longer must women depend on marriage for financial stability, power, influence, etc. or feel bound by societal pressures.
Granted, I still think single parent families are at a greater disadvantage than those coming from a traditional two parent family. I believe that having two parents instead of just one is more efficient and plays an important role in raising a child to be contributing member of society. Of course marriage is not necessary. It could be two gays/ lesbians raising a child or two heterosexuals, I don't give a rat's ass. Two parents is generally going to be better than one when raising and providing for a child IMO. I still offend many single parents with this belief, but I think deep down they know I'm right
. The statistics are on my side anyways.
Someday I'm going to run as a libertarian for public office somewhere.
