Geraldine Sharp. The Changing Nature of the Marriage Contract

< size='-1'>THE CHANGING NATURE OF THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT
In Western liberal democracies changes in the nature of the marriage contract are emerging. With the increasing demand for a partnership of equals with shared responsibilities, the traditional marriage contract is being replaced by a more democratic marriage contract. The marriage contract is changing from one of unequal power relations in which men hold power over women, to one of equal power relations with an equal distribution of power. The changing nature of interpersonal relations is resulting in a significant shift of power in marriage and in the family. These changes involve a shift of power which is not without repercussions.