Marriage Types: Institutional vs Companionate

Institutional Marriage

• Historically prevalent up to industrialization; focused on duty rather than love
• Marriages were based on necessity; partners referred to as "yoke mates" working together
• Family involvement was common in selecting spouses, leading to stable but unromantic unions
• Prenuptial agreements were practical, detailing dowry and property distribution between families
• Patriarchal structure characterized institutional marriage dynamics

Companionate Marriage

• Emerged between the 1920s and 1960s, marking a shift to psychological relationships
• The 1920s introduced the idea of marriage as a pursuit of the domestic ideal, often symbolized by the "white picket fence"
• Rigid gender roles prevailed, with men as breadwinners and women as homemakers
• Love became a central element in marriage, contrasting with previous norms
• Arrangements based on love and attraction, with a focus on relationship satisfaction
• Marriage preparation largely associated with wedding planning, contributing to pressure surrounding the wedding day and future marriage

Individualized Marriage

• Represents the contemporary landscape of marriage, where personal fulfillment is prioritized
• The decline of companionate marriage due to women's increasing education and career opportunities post-1960s
• Partners described as "soul mates," emphasizing emotional connection over duty
• Four main characteristics: marriage is optional, roles are flexible, love and emotional intimacy are expected, and exists alongside diverse family forms
• Gender equality is often anticipated in individualized marriages, aligning with modern values
• Expectation for personal autonomy and mutual satisfaction within the relationship