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Morgan Smith
Stacie Weatbrook
English 1010
April 23, 2016
Opinion Summary
Some say that traditional roles in marriage no longer apply in the modern world due to financial
constraints and changes in the economy. Others say that each gender and its associated
responsibilities is God given, and an essential part of identity. Still others assert that traditional
roles in marriage provide a general template, but the decisions rely heavily upon family
circumstances.
Feminist such as Jessica Bennett and Jesse Ellison argue that there is no value or benefit
of marriage in todays society. They are of the opinion that because of the feminist movement, it
is now possible for a woman to support herself, cohabitate if she wishes, and have children out of
wedlock (Bennett). Men are no longer necessary for survival and prosperity. That is shown in the
fact that 40% of women are now breadwinners (Taylor).
While the most common theme in my research shows statistics in which women are
working out of the home more than they ever have before. Women also take responsibility for the
majority of housekeeping and childrearing. We see some traces of traditional roles and some
roles that defy tradition. Even more interesting are the studies of Modern Marriage and Jacobs
and Gerson, which explore public opinion of women in the workplace. In both studies, the results
change dramatically when children are added to the equation. The majority of people from all

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walks of life hold deep rooted beliefs that women should be home with their children - not out of
the home working full-time.
A local example of this ideal is found in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints. This religion has a huge impact on our local culture. It is the belief of LatterDay Saints that gender is an essential characteristic and a sacred identity (Hinckley). Although
The Proclamation clearly states that a marriage is an equal partnership and that each spouse is
obligated to help the other in all things, traditional roles are still evident. Fathers are
responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are
primarily responsible for the nurture of their children, (Hinckley).
However, the economy makes it so that rigid traditional marriage roles have become a
thing of the past. Many couples feel as though they do not have a choice in this matter due to
financial constraints (Taylor). Ric Edelman, CEO of Edelman Financial Services, says otherwise.
He gives an example of a family with a total income of $30,000 a year. After breaking down the
numbers and accounting for some sacrifices, he shows us that it is possible for one member of
this family to be a stay-at-home parent, should they choose to do so (Edelman).
Although traditional roles do not have a place in the modern world, it has left its
impression upon our culture. Before traditional marriage roles came about, there was no question
of both partners working together to obtain income and maintain a home (Coontz). But that was
a very different time. In todays society, couples may choose to follow the traditions of their
ancestors or they may choose a path of their own. The important element in this is good
communication between husband and wife.

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My opinion is that the value of traditional marriage roles lies in what aspects of those
roles are best for each individual marriage. Traditional roles were of great value during the
Industrial Revolution because it helped families to make sense of the dramatic changes and to
formulate a plan to adapt. In modern society traditional roles are valuable because in many cases,
men are paid more than women. Ultimately, it is in a couples best interest to base these
decisions upon an evaluation of their personal circumstances much like Jacobs and Gerson
suggested.

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Works Cited
Bennett, Jessica, and Jesse Ellison. "The Case Against Marriage." Newsweek. Newsweek. 11 June 2010.
Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
Coontz, Stephanie. "The Family in Upheaval." The Family in Upheaval. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Philadelphia Inquirer. 19 June 2005. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
Edelman, Ric. "Should Both Parents Work." About.com Parenting. About.com Parenting. 17 Dec. 2014.
Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
Hinckley, Gordon B. "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." The Family: A Proclamation to the
World. LDS.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 23 Sept. 1995. Web. 22 Apr.
2016.
Jacobs, Jerry A., and Gerson Kathleen. Unpacking Americans Views of the Employment of Mothers and
Fathers Using National Vignette Survey Data: SWS Presidential Address. Gender & Society
(2015): n. pag. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.
"Modern Marriage." Pew Research Centers Social Demographic Trends Project RSS. N.p., 18 July 2007.
Web. 08 Apr. 2016.
Taylor, Paul, and Ellen Galinsky. "More Women As Family Breadwinners Reflects Values Shift in the
U.S." Interview by Judy Woodruff. www.pbs.org. NewsHour Productions LLC, 29 May 2013.
Web. 23 Apr. 2016.