Analyzing the Impact on Families in Canada: Marriage and Social Norms

This essay examines the state of families in Canada, highlighting the challenges and changes impacting marriage through the lenses of government policies, family structures, and religious influences. It discusses how government regulations, such as the legal marriage age and same-sex marriage laws, affect traditional family dynamics. The essay also explores the evolving definition of family, including the rise of same-sex couples, single parenthood, and cohabitation, arguing that these trends have diminished the traditional significance of marriage. Furthermore, it analyzes the declining role of religion in marriage ceremonies and the increasing preference for civil unions or cohabitation due to cost considerations. The essay concludes by advocating for policy changes, such as raising the minimum marriage age and addressing same-sex marriage, while also emphasizing the importance of education and youth empowerment to promote responsible family values. The author recommends exploring similar essays and assignments available on Desklib for further insights.

Running head: FAMILIES IN CANADA 1
Families in Canada
Students Name
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Families in Canada
Marriage outstrips other social institutions in Canada. However, marriage succumbs challenges
which impact the male section significantly (Jaeger, 2016). Core aspects which impacts
marriages in Canada are government, family, and religion.
Government.
The government of Canada consents marriage at 16 years of age. Girls in Canada are married
earlier as compared to other nations (Heath, 2012). Immaturity contributes to marriage problems
in Canada. Young laws enforced to marriage often neglect to submit to their responsibilities. Due
to this, most men oppress their women and undermine them. However, some provinces in
Canada do not implement this act regardless of its legalization (Goldfeder, 2017). In the
constitution of Canada, chapter 15 same-sex marriage is prohibited. Equality of same sex-
couples has impacted societies greatly. The government should be on the forefront to mitigate
such action. Conversely, Canada government allows men to marry other women without
divorcing their first marriage. As a result, men irresponsibly marry many girls (Moon, 2009). Its
crystal that marriage is more encompassing than the ancient decades.
Family
Family is the basic social unit in every society. Proximate relationship between marriage and
family develop status roles which the social sanctions. However, Canada traditions have
deviated, and marriage constitution no longer has meaning. Same-Sex couples marry freely and
live without any children (Jaeger et al., 2016). According to sociologist, “family is more in terms
of how members relate to one another than a strict configuration of status roles.” Family entails
emotional connection of couples who are socially identified. In 2010, a survey carried out

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highlighted that children are the "elements" defining marriage. Single parenthood is also
regarded as a family (Tyyskä, 2014). The cohabitation of couples is also considered as a family.
Marriage became obsolete in Canada. Family orientation no longer exists, only family
procreation. Therefore, family patterns diversity in Canada has impacted marriage negatively.
Religion.
Civilization has affected religion aspects in marriages. In ancient days, marriage was only
conducted through sacred traditions custom. Priests also united couples in marriages. In Canada
past decades, marriage was adored and respected. On the contrary, a renaissance of 100 years has
transformed religion in Canada (Merin, 2010). Government courts have the mandate to unit
couples for marriage. Also, young couples prefer cohabitation than marriage. Canadians
emphasize that both ways; court and cohabitation mitigate marriage cost. It is reasonable, but it
has reinforced irresponsible behaviours in marriage. Young lads can marry and remarry without
taking cautions. Significance of marriage has degraded in Canada.
Ultimately, the above dimensions affect marriage significantly. These impacts are mainly
catalyzed by governments constitutions in Canada (Moon, 2009). Marriage is an essential
institution in society. There are three theoies which support the mitigaton of early child
marriages. Theory of change; government should modify marriage laws induced in Canada. This
includes marriage of girls at 16 years and homosexuality. Effective policies to be implemented
by Canadians needs to be initiated. Marriages should commence at 18 years and eradication of
same-gender marriage in couples. Theory on child marriage; ensuring the registration of children
at birth. With birth certificates, girls can prove their legal age easily. Running campaign on the
significance of educating girls enhance peoples knowledge on how to respect and appreciate girls
in the society. By this, girls will enrol and learn skills which will help society — lastly, initiation

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of youth-led groups will promote the rights of children in the community. This concept is
supported by female schooling theory which ensures that ladies attend learning institutions to
avoid early marriages.
References
Bickerton, J., & Gagnon, A. (2014). Canadian Politics, Sixth Edition. Toronto: University of
Toronto Press.

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Goldfeder, M., (2017). Legalising Plural Marriage: The Next Frontier in Family Law. Brandeis
University Press.
Heath, G. L., & Wilson, P. R. (2012). Baptists and Public Life in Canada. Eugene, OR: Wipf
and Stock Publishers.
Jaeger, P. T., Gorham, U., & Taylor, N. G. (2016). Perspectives on Libraries as Institutions of
Human Rights and Social Justice. West Yorkshire, England: Emerald Group Publishing.
Merin, Y. (2010). Equality for Same-Sex Couples: The Legal Recognition of Gay Partnerships
in Europe and the United States. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Moon, R. J. (2009). Law and Religious Pluralism in Canada. Vancouver: UBC Press.
Tyyskä, V. (2014). Youth and Society: The Long and Winding Road, Third Edition. Toronto:
Canadian Scholars’ Press

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