Marriage is a significant milestone in a girl’s life. It marks her transition into adulthood and is a rite of passage in many cultures. Marriage comes with many responsibilities but also provides stability, companionship, and a chance to start a family. There are several reasons why marriage can be beneficial for girls.
Companionship
One of the main reasons marriage is important for girls is that it provides lifelong companionship. When a girl gets married, she will have a life partner who will be by her side through all of life’s ups and downs. Her husband will be her best friend, confidant, and biggest supporter. Knowing that she has someone to share her joys and sorrows with can provide great comfort and strength. Companionship is an essential human need, and marriage satisfies this need for connection and belonging.
Financial Stability
Marriage also typically provides increased financial stability for women. In many cultures, the husband assumes the role of primary breadwinner. Sharing finances with a spouse means there are two incomes to rely on instead of one. This greatly improves economic security and reduces a woman’s vulnerability if she is not able to work or earn an income herself. Joint financial resources in a marriage allow for a better quality of life and more opportunity. It also ensures the woman will be provided for in the case of widowhood.
Safety and Security
Being married enhances safety and security for girls in many ways. First, it protects girls from sexual exploitation, unsafe relationships, and unwanted advances. The commitment of marriage provides security against being taken advantage of sexually. Marriage also gives girls physical and economic security. Her husband is obligated to provide food, shelter, and protection for her. Girls gain the security of a safe home environment and stable livelihood through marriage. Protection is one of the primary historical reasons marriage was important for women.
Children and Family
For many girls, an important purpose of marriage is to raise children and start a family. Marriage provides a socially and morally acceptable context for childbearing in most cultures. Girls may feel an instinctual desire to nurture children, and marriage gives them the opportunity to become mothers. Raising children also brings emotional fulfillment and gives life meaning. Furthermore, marriage allows girls to fully participate in family life. They become integral members of their husband’s family. This sense of familial belonging meets the human need for community.
Benefits of Motherhood
- Purpose and meaning in life
- Opportunity to nurture the next generation
- Emotional bonding with children
- Unconditional love from children
- Expansion of family
- Personal growth and learning
Social Expectations and Status
Social convention influences the importance of marriage for girls. In many societies, there is an expectation that women should marry, especially at certain ages. Remaining unmarried past an acceptable age can result in social stigma. Marriage confers a sense of legitimacy and status. Married women are seen as mature and respectable members of society. They belong to the social institution of marriage. Furthermore, married girls gain the legal and social rights of wives. Overall, marriage solidifies a girl’s identity and position within society.
| Socially Acceptable Age for Marriage | Country |
|---|---|
| 20-25 years old | United States |
| 18-21 years old | China |
| 18+ years old | Canada |
| 18-23 years old | Nigeria |
Rights and Privileges of Wives
- Right to husband’s financial support
- Right to inherit husband’s property
- Custody rights for children
- Authority over household decisions
- Lifetime commitment from husband
- Status and social capital in community
Spiritual Fulfillment
Religion often plays a significant role in marriage. Many faiths emphasize marriage and family as divinely ordained. Marriage is seen as morally right and spiritually meaningful. Religious couples believe their union is blessed and makes them closer to God. Marriage provides spiritual purpose and is seen as a virtuous act of devotion. Furthermore, religion promotes marital harmony, forgiveness, and selflessness as spiritual ideals. Marriage gives girls an opportunity to grow spiritually in line with their beliefs.
Religious Perspectives on Marriage
- Christianity – Views marriage as instituted by God for companionship and procreation.
- Islam – Considers marriage a religious duty and moral safeguard for society.
- Hinduism – Sees marriage as essential for dharma and moksha.
- Judaism – Believes marriage is holy and divinely ordained.
Personal Growth
Marriage often leads to important personal development and growth for girls. Marriage requires qualities like patience, selflessness, compromise, and maturity to sustain. Through relating intimately with a partner, girls hone their interpersonal skills. Managing a household and family also brings wisdom, responsibility, multitasking abilities, and practical life skills. Additionally, parenting daughters helps mothers develop nurturance, sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love. Facing all of life’s experiences with a spouse at your side ultimately facilitates emotional and spiritual maturation.
Better Health
Research shows married women tend to be physically and mentally healthier than unmarried women. They exhibit lower rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and psychological disorders. Marriage seems to reduce risky behaviors like smoking and drinking. The protective health effects of marriage for girls may stem from social and emotional support, financial stability, a regulated lifestyle, and access to care through a spouse’s health benefits. Furthermore, the commitment of marriage motivates spouses to care for the health of their partner, encouraging preventative care and healthy habits.
| Health Benefit | Percent Lower Risk for Married Women |
|---|---|
| Obesity | 12% |
| High blood pressure | 25% |
| Diabetes | 27% |
| Cancer | 20% |
| Depression | 23-50% |
Love and Intimacy
While less universally relevant, for many girls an essential marriage benefit is the love, intimacy, and passion shared with a spouse. The emotional and physical intimacy of marriage satisfies the human need for belonging, affection, and sexual fulfillment in a socially acceptable way. Sharing deep love exclusively with one partner creates connection and attachment. The devotion and sacrifice of true love brings profound happiness and meaning to life. Marriage allows girls to fully give and receive love.
Elements of a Loving Marriage
- Trust
- Understanding
- Respect
- Compassion
- Communication
- Patience
- Effort
- Friendship
- Romance
- Intimacy
Conclusion
In summary, marriage provides girls with love, fulfillment, security, social status, and family. It supports psychological, physical and economic well-being. Modern society has seen a shift away from obligatory marriage, but its benefits persist. Marriage and committed partnership remain important goals that add meaning, purpose, and stability to most girls’ lives. The maturity, self-discovery, and personal growth enabled by marriage allow girls to thrive and live full lives. For all these reasons, marriage retains social significance and confers advantages that sustain its value for girls today.