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Unveiling Contemporary Marital Realities: Sociological Perspectives on 'Marriage: Shattered Vows’ Kadee F. Husfelt Cecil College SS:202 Marriage and the Family Dr. Jennifer Casper 12/10/2023

Unveiling Contemporary Marital Realities: Sociological Perspectives on 'Marriage: Shattered Vows "Marriage: Shattered Vows"(Youtube, 2018) meticulously explores the contemporary state of marriage, charting its historical roots, societal transformations, and diverse implications for individuals and communities. The documentary rigorously investigates the evolving nature of intimate relationships and the shifting significance of marriage in a modern context, employing various sociological theories and concepts to scrutinize the multifaceted discussions and representations within the film. Functionalist Theory The film confronts the escalating divorce rates in contemporary society, invoking discussions on the functional changes within marriage. Dr. Edward Shorter's commentary on the biological underpinning of marriage for child-rearing underscores the historical function of marriage. However, the evolution of societal structures and changing gender roles has propelled shifts in the institution's functions. The narrative progresses to portray the historical roots of marriage, emphasizing its origins in ownership and control over women. This aligns with functionalist theories, which historically viewed marriage as pivotal for societal stability through the propagation and nurturing of the next generation. Sheidu Abdulkarim and Baba (2022) of Kogi State University examined the functionalist theory as it pertains to the family and found that “ [t]he family performs several important functions, ranging from being the primary unit or agent of socialization that socializes the young members of the society as well as meeting their emotional needs.” Functionalism also theorizes that family tasks are more accomplished when being carried out in “distinct and specialized roles.” This relates to women staying at home with the “expressive role, which include the provision of emotional support and nurturing qualities for the sustenance of the family” instrumental role such as the provision of food and shelter for the family while the male provides the “instrumental role such as the provision of food and shelter

for the family.” The problem the documentary points out several times with the functionalist theory and Sheidu Abdulkarim and Baba point out as well, is how the theory predominantly focuses on how societal elements function to maintain stability, often overlooking the disruptive or transformative aspects of social change. Critics argue that this perspective tends to downplay or even ignore the complexities of social conflicts, tensions, and transformative processes that contribute to societal evolution. (Sheidu Abdulkarim, 2022) Social Exchange Theory Exchange theory focuses on how people interact in relationships, considering the give- and-take of things like emotions, support, and contributions between them. In the documentary, Dr. Edward talks about the dynamics of the bedroom in marriage, showing how important it is in understanding how couples share emotions and things like intimacy. He talks about how relying only on physical attraction can make relationships less stable because feelings and desires can change over time. When examining the exchange theory and how it pertains to the divorce rates, Levinger’s Model of Attractions - Barries +/- Alternative Attractions = Decision to Stay Married or get Divorced, seems particularly useful. The attractions are the rewards or benefits that draw an individual to the marriage or to stay married and each attraction will be different based on each person. The barriers are the costs or punishments each person would endure if they chose to get divorced, which is also individually independent. The alternative attractions are something a person who is already married would find rewarding if they did get a divorce. Surprisingly, looking at the formula for divorce, “[a]ttractions are low, barriers are low, and lures are high. In other words, there are few rewards from being married, low barriers or low perceived punishments from divorcing, with high lures to draw a spouse away from the marriage” (Pelz, 2007). As simple as it might sound to explain such a high divorce rate, the social exchange

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theory explains the rewards for getting divorced far outweigh the risks, thus resulting in high divorce rates. The documentary continues this theme through the end, explaining the right to choices could very well be the cause. Conflict Theory Conflict theory scrutinizes power struggles and societal inequalities. Within the documentary, structural influences and societal struggles within marriages are underscored. Discussions on economic implications, societal resistance to gay marriage, and the historical entanglement of religion and marriage unveil inherent power dynamics and societal conflicts within the institution. The analysis aligns with conflict theory by emphasizing the struggles and social dynamics present within marriage as a social institution. Looking into how men became the bread winners and women the homemakers, conflict theory is introduced with these varying gender roles. Fowler (2007) from Tufts University explains that “the exploitation of the proletariat that can be observed in industry is echoed by the unpaid domestic labor of the woman in the household” The documentary critically evaluates the structural influences and inequalities within marriages. Socialization Socialization, the process through which individuals acquire cultural norms and values, is pervasive in discussions around marriage within the documentary. The portrayal of societal norms, such as the societal expectation of marriage as the ultimate fairy tale ending, reveals the influence of societal socialization on individuals' perceptions and expectations regarding marriage. Additionally, the documentary delves into the socialization of individuals into heterosexual norms, highlighting the pressures and expectations society places on individuals to conform to heterosexual relationships. It exposes how societal norms socialize individuals into believing that marrying someone of the opposite sex is the "normal" and expected path, while

deviating from this norm, particularly for individuals identifying as gay or lesbian, can lead to social ostracization and challenges in forming meaningful relationships. The film illustrates the struggle of individuals who felt compelled to marry someone of the opposite sex due to societal expectations, despite their actual sexual orientation, showcasing the impact of societal socialization on personal choices within marriage and the subsequent divorce. Diverse Relationship Structures The documentary explores two different ways people have relationships: polygamy, where someone has more than one spouse, and monogamy, where someone has just one spouse. It looks at how these ways of having relationships are seen in different societies, both in the past and now. It shows how society, money, culture, and religion affect these kinds of relationships. The film also questions why society tends to favor monogamy when there isn't much proof suggesting that humans are naturally meant to be in monogamous relationships. It discusses this idea and showcases real stories of people in these relationships. This helps us understand better how different relationships work in various societies and cultures. Conclusion "Marriage: Shattered Vows" provides a profound examination of modern marriages, illuminating their historical underpinnings and evolving complexities. The documentary traverses through sociological theories, offering diverse perspectives on the institution of marriage. It underscores how functionalist theory delineates marriage as a stabilizing force in society while acknowledging its limitations in accommodating transformative changes. Social exchange theory sheds light on the dynamics of marital relationships, exposing the complexities of rewards, barriers, and alternative attractions that influence individuals' decisions within marriages or towards divorce. Conflict theory illuminates power struggles and inequalities within

marriages, unraveling societal resistances and historical entanglements, while socialization reveals the impact of societal norms on individuals' perceptions of marriage and the struggle for societal acceptance. By contrasting polygamous and monogamous relationships, the documentary challenges societal inclinations, prompting critical reflections on established norms surrounding marriage. In conclusion, "Marriage: Shattered Vows" serves as a thought-provoking exploration, inviting audiences to reevaluate their perceptions of marriages in the face of societal shifts. It encourages contemplation on the complexities of intimate relationships, urging a broader understanding beyond conventional norms. Through various sociological lenses, the documentary highlights the multifaceted nature of marriages, instigating dialogue and introspection about the ever-evolving landscape of modern relationships.

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References. Fowler, Ana Carolina (2007) "Love and Marriage: Through the Lens of Sociological Theories," Human Architecture: Journal of the Sociology of Self-Knowledge: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 6 . http://scholarworks.umb.edu/humanarchitecture/vol5/iss2/6 Pelz, B., Hammond, R., & Cheney, P. (2007). Marriage, intimate relationships and families . 14. Divorce | Marriage, Intimate Relationships and Families. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-marriageandfamily/chapter/14-divorce/ Sheidu Abdulkarim, Haruna & Baba, Yusuf. (2022). CHAPTER THREE SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357806136_CHAPTER_THREE_SOCIOLOG Y_OF_THE_FAMILY_AND_NATIONAL_DEVELOPMENT YouTube. (2018). Marriage: Shattered Vows . YouTube . Retrieved December 10, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxd1oOVWlFo.

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