It’s always interesting to see how life operates in other parts of the world. Scientists and politicians always seem to weigh the questions: Would something that works there work here? And vice versa? What could we learn from these cultures and what could they learn from us? What would be the result if even part of these other aspects were incorporated into our culture?
I bring this up because I read two recent stories on marriage in other parts of the world.
I learned from a CNN story that Iceland leads the world as the country with the most unwed mothers. According to the article, roughly 67 percent of babies are born out of wedlock. To paint a picture, that’s like seeing 7 out of every 10 children being raised by single parents. Compare this to America’s 40 percent of wedlock children, and it really puts things in perspective.
The article also goes on to reveal the country’s sentiments about the institution of marriage. In Iceland, marriage just isn’t important. Call it feminist, call it progressive, call it backward, whatever you want to call it, the country doesn’t seem to place a onus on marriage the way other cultures do. So what does that mean? Probably, that single mothers don’t face the shame and stigmas Americans seem to place on women. But what else?
But then I read another article on OZY, which stated the Maldives had the largest divorce rate in the world. As a Muslim country, premarital sex is heavily frowned upon while divorce isn’t. In fact, the article says it’s easy for men to get divorced; all you need is a verbal declaration of divorce and a witness and volia. So coincidentally the average Maldivian woman has been married three times. So what does that mean? Possibly, that divorcees don’t face the shame and stigmas Americans seem to place on broken marriages. But what else?
I know stigmas and criticisms can be real heavy factors in a person’s decision to stay in an unhealthy relationship. But a recent CDC study shows Americans are softening their positions on unwed parents.
I write all this not to downplay the institution of marriage but to spark dialogue. There are still considerations regarding how these new traditions will impact children, families, social relations and more long term? I guess in time, we’ll see. But for now, it’s worth some observation and conversation.
BMWK, do you think society puts too much pressure on women to get married before having kids or for people stay in bad marriages?