Name:
Institution:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
Finances Related to Marriage and Family
Introduction
Marriage is a union that culminates in the holistic integration of two persons of different sexes to form a single unit. This union then develops in a family, which is the fundamental unit of the society. Basically, it is believed that this union has divine ordination and as such, it should not be broken under any circumstances. However, statistical evidence ascertains that currently, the institution of marriage is on the verge of collapse and complete disintegration. Incidences of divorce have soared in the recent past and more that ever, married persons prefer nurturing families single handedly. This can be attributed to the reduction in the ability to withstand diverse challenges that stem from the social, economic and cultural spheres. In other words, the resilience of this unit has decreased significantly, exposing it to external attacks. Perhaps it can also be attributed to increased secularization that has altered public perception of this institution. The value system has changed in the recent past and increasingly, the institution of marriage is being accorded a superficial view point and approach. The spiritual perception that this institution was traditionally accorded has been abandoned on the premise that it is primitive.
Among the most sensitive concerns that are currently affecting marriages and families pertains to the issue of finances. On a primary level, finances are imperative for effective functioning of the society. Indeed, finances are imperative for catering for the holistic needs of the family. Emergent research asserts that the family institution and finances share a reciprocal relationship. In this regard, finances have direct impacts on marital processes and largely determine the respective outcomes. Marriages and family contexts on the other hand play an integral role in determining the behavior of couples. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the diverse social and legal stipulations that are related to marriages and finances also impact on these in different ways. On a wider scale, financial operations intrinsic in the societal setting impact on the family institution in different ways. This is particularly so because the family is at the center stage of societal functioning. This paper provides an in depth review of finances related to marriage and family. In detail, it underscores the financial issues and the diverse implications that they have on the functioning of marriages and families. In order to enhance coherence, this is undertaken from both an internal and external perspective.
The family requires sufficient finances in order to operate in an executive manner. The day to day family needs such as child nurturance and payment of bills requires efficient financial resources. From biblical point of view, this also contributes to peaceful co existence of families as conflicts relate to debts are put at bay. Empirical studies show that couples that agree on financial decisions tend to make stable families and live happier lives than their counterparts who constantly disagree over financial issues (Howard 64). Nevertheless, Thomas indicates that having surplus financial resources is not a guarantee of marital happiness (Thomas 112). This does not imply that the couples have the capacity to deal or plan for the financial resources accordingly. Effective management of family finances is therefore requisite to harmonic co existence and its ultimate stability.
As indicated earlier, financial conflicts have been identified as some of the key causes of incidences of divorce. In most instances, these stem from lack of enough finances and poor spending habits. In other words, lack of sufficient skills and knowledge related to financial understanding, personal behavior problems as well as relationship problems directly cause financial conflicts in a family. In addition, non financial behavioral problems like impulse buying, addictive behavior, excessive materialism and undue preoccupation with matters such as social image culminate in unwise decisions that steer marriage conflicts. In his review, Duncun posits that money has the ability to either destroy or strengthen families and marriages. Reports related to financially driven divorces affirm that monetary conflicts are characterized by mistrust, dishonesty, name calling and selfishness.
Wilcox indicates that the quality as well as the stability of marriage is highly depended on factors such as debt, assets, employment, income and the state of house hold labor (Wilcox 15). Thus relative factors such as saving, earning, spending and sharing or financial resources greatly influence marriages and families. Credit card debts have been cited as one of the factors that contribute to tension in marriages. In some cases, coupled are compelled to stretch their expenditure beyond the financial capability of the family. This has been influenced by malpractices such as materialism and faulty spending habits. This has had adverse effects pertaining to erosion of the quality of life. Research shows that accumulation of credit card debt for instance increases the likelihood of couples fighting over monetary issues. In addition, the inherent tension increases the probability of couples fighting or arguing over issues that are unrelated to finances. Undoubtedly, this places the quality of marriage at stake. Basically, debt increases marital strain and makes it difficult for the couples to agree on important matters. This is further compounded by the centrality of finances in marriage.
In contrast, assets and investments have been documented to have a positive impact on marriages. This is because of their ability to solidify marriage ties and ease tensions between couples. In the long run, conflicts are eliminated and a sense of trust restored and enhanced. Further, assets according to Wilcox decrease the occurrence of divorces and therefore safeguarded the institution of marriages (Wilcox 15). In this respect, statistical evidence shows that women tend to be on the forefront with regards to seeking divorce. Assets counter this trend as women in marriages tend to be happier. In addition, assets pay an integral role of improving the quality of life of the families. Fundamentally, they generate revenue that services the day to day activities of the family (Howard 71). The acknowledgement that divorce would have a marked impact on the quality of life of one spouse prevents the same form pursuing it. In this consideration therefore, the institution of marriage is strengthened and stays intact.
The perception related to financial spending of spouse also influences the stability of marriages and families in different ways. In his review, Thomas indicates that an individual who believes that his or her spouse does not spend wisely is less likely to be happy than one who believes that financial expenditure of the spouse is apt. A negative perception related to mode of expenditure also increase tension that triggers marital conflicts. This compromises the stability as well as longevity of such a marriage. In addition, Wilcox ascertains that materialism equally has a negative impact on the welfare of the marriage (Wilcox 23). A materialistic orientation has direct impacts on the expenditure of financial resources. In most instances, this tendency is triggered by a false perception that materialism implies financial sufficiency. Ultimately, it increases the urge to spend and puts a strain on other factors such as savings. This has far reaching implications on the family unit as it culminates in conflicts.
The division of labor with regards to financial expenditure of families has had direct impacts on its stability. Traditionally, women expected to make financial decisions related to recurrent petty expenditures such as purchase of groceries, clothes and so forth. Men on the other hand need to be responsible for making financial decisions related to long term investments and acquisition of family assets. In light of the preceding analysis, Howard argues that men in this respect re accorded the sole responsibility of safeguarding the stability of families and marriages (Howard 86). Notably, decisions regarding family expenditure need to be sound and well informed. Therefore, according one party the responsibility to make certain critical decisions can have far reaching impacts on the financial wellbeing of these institutions. This is especially so in cases where the latter exhibit inferior decision making practices. In order to enhance familial stability, this decision making needs to be done jointly ad based on informed thought. In the long run, this eliminates incidences of blame as consequences of the decision are shouldered jointly.
Certainly, the stability of marriage is depended on diverse factors whose interplay determines financial flows within the family. Materialism and acquisition of debts compromise familial stability because of their ability to increase tension and trigger conflicts between spouses. On the other hand, investment and assets strengthen marriages as they foster trust and faithfulness between married couples. In this consideration therefore, couples need to lay emphasis on altering their perceptions towards spending. In particular, they need to invest more in assets in order to secure their marriage and cushion it against destructive conflicts (Duncun 1) . Besides this, there is dire need to enhance communication, trust, love, mutual respect and emotional intimacy that promote financial security. In general, families and marriages wishing to secure their marriage form financially related conflicts need to review their spending behavior.
As aforementioned, the family unit is situated in a societal web and is therefore impacted upon by various external factors. Just as the financial decisions that are made within the family have direct social and economic impacts on the societal wellbeing, likewise, the financial decisions made by different segments of the society have direct impacts on the functioning of the family. Societal institutions such as the government play a leading role in formulation, implementation and enforcement of such decisions. In addition, relative decisions influence a wide range of social and economic trends that also have direct impacts on the welfare of the family. This ascertains that the family unit is located at the core of societal functioning and within the complex web of the society. Thus the inherent relationships are very intricate as well as augmenting. They determine the welfare of each other and offer mutual support at all times. Apparently, their sustainability and effective functioning is highly depended on each other’s welfare.
From an external point of view, economic trends have had different effects on family finances. For instance, Stanley, Trathen and McCain argue that unemployment due to recession has had diverse impacts on familial ties (Stanley, Trathen & McCain 56). In some cases, these have strengthened familial ties and increased the longevity of these institutions. In this regard, Thomas indicates that pursuance of divorce is very expensive due to the legal feels that is required (Thomas 81). As such, some couples have tended to postpone this until they source for sufficient resources to finance the process. As economic conditions worse, it becomes difficult for such persons to carry on the process. Alternatives, Thomas posits that the ‘waiting’ allows the spouses to review their decisions in this respect and may end up abandoning such initiative in the long run. Furthermore, the recognition that the resultant costs could be higher for one spouse to shoulder has in some cases made those pursuing divorce to reconsider their decisions. At this point, it is worth appreciating that divorce and separation is in most cases pursued by couples that are financially stable. Further, the extreme conditions that characterize the hard economic times have been documented to strengthen family ties. This is particularly common for religious communities and those hat hold cultural beliefs in high regard.
In such cases, the respective populations are often obligated to pool their resources together in a bit to further common interests. A feeling of solidarity and the responsibility to safeguard the welfare of the entire society soon ensures. In his research, Stanley et al asserts that philosophies such as the American dream were triggered by such conditions (Stanley et al 112). The inherent feeling of unity strengthens familial ties especially considering the fact that families are at the core of societal functioning. From a religious point of view, such conditions are accorded a divine meaning. Religious values pertaining to love, haring, unity, hard work and so forth are encouraged. In the long run, this plays an instrumental role in strengthening the communities as members become mindful of the welfare of the segments that are worst hit by the scenario. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs), funding of financial operation such as stem cell has various moral and ethical controversies.
From a religious view point, it is widely agreed that life begins at conception. This is regardless of whether the individuals that are involved are married or not. In addition, life is sacred and therefore humans are charged with the responsibility of protecting it at all times. Stem cell research contravenes these provisions as the human embryos that are employed are destroyed thereafter. Religious prisons voiced their concerns because this undermines the quality of life and compromises the existence of a family. This was further compounded by the realization that the federal government had been requested to provide funds for such research. In this consideration, USCCBs argue that the government plays a direct role in compromising the worth of the family unit. It is for this reason that it becomes imperatively important to protest against such measures. This would go a long way in safeguarding and upholding respect for the family unit. The scenario is an ideal exemplification of the implications of government funding on families and marriages.
Abortion is another issue that has been surrounded by various controversies. To begin with, the very fact that the process ends life has direct impacts on the welfare o the family. In some societies, this has been a credible cause of divorce that shortens the longevity of families and marriages. In addition, USCCBs indicate that it compromises the quality of families because of the adverse effects on the health of the mother. In this regard, this can cause incidences of infertility that can halt reproduction. Also, the funding of this practice has spurred various arguments in the recent past. The policy that encouraged the federal government to finance the operations was particularly controversial. This is because the funds that the federal government uses to finance its operations are sources from the tax payer. Arguably, the tax payer segment that comprises of staunch Christians was contributing indirectly to bringing the sacred life to a painful end. By supporting the law that prevents the federal government to finance abortion, the clergy and pro life activists played an integral role in supporting life. Fundamental, this translates in safeguarding the marriage institution and family unit whose existence and survival depends on the sustainability of this life.
The role of the government in supporting and protecting the quality of life has also been apparent in a host of programs that are directed at safeguarding life and protecting families during disasters. In his review, Howard cites that the government and other state and non state bodies play a leading role in safeguarding the welfare of life during disasters. In general disasters destabilize the family unit through loss of lives and displacements. For example, armed conflicts have had diverse impacts on the family unit as they lead to displacements. Funding for family re unions by the governments and other social bodies plays an important role in stabilizing it (Duncun 1). Also worth mentioning is the important role that the finances play in empowering the families during restoration and addressing their emergent medical concerns. Not only does this protect life but it also enhances continuity of families and marriages. Directly, governments provide finances that are used to fund the respective operations. Generally, the measures that are undertaken to save lives and empower communities directly safeguard the welfare of families.
The role of the society in funding for operations that directly impact on the wellbeing of the family has also been exhibited through the societal legal system. This comprises of a wide range of policy makers that are responsible for formulating changing and implementing the law. It can not be disputed that certain laws that have been implemented in the past have direct negative impacts on the family structure. Stanley et al indicates that marriage is defined as a union between two individuals of an opposite sex (Stanley et al 113). This definition is deeply embedded in the religious values and beliefs. Biologically, it is informed by the ability of such unions to reproduce and nurture their offspring. Secularization has had profound impacts on this definition as it has been re-coined to reflect the emerging views of the gays and lesbians. Social research affirms that despite eroding critical values that were imperative in safeguarding the welfare of the society, these have threatened the very wellbeing of the family unit as they are not supportive of reproduction. Harmonic co existence has also been threatened as the values that are currently assumed promote various social vices. The fact that the implementation of relative decisions is supported by the government exhibits the destructive nature of certain forms of funding to the family unit.
Increased environmental awareness is a societal initiative that has had diverse impacts on the family unit. Biblical teachings indicate that the environment is sacred and humans need to safeguard it because it supports life (USCCBs 1). This can be used to explain why in Genesis, God created the world and gave it utmost goodness. Through its ability to enhance healthy living, environmental soundness directly safeguards life. Environmental degradation on the other hand impacts negatively on the health of the individuals. In particular, it causes diseases and undermines optimal economic production that is fundamental for sustaining life. Reduction in economic production impacts negatively on the financial welfare of the family and society in general. As indicated earlier, this triggers tension that culminates in conflicts. In such cases, the stability of the family unit is threatened.
Environmental awareness programs that are funded by a host of environmental bodies and state agencies have gone a long way in countering the preceding scenario. These aim at restoring the environment and ensuring sound economic productivity. Such initiatives have intervened by boosting economic production. The resultant financial stability is instrumental in eliminating conflicts that compromise family unity. In addition, this enhances harmonic co existence and promotes the wellness of the soul. Ultimately, it boosts spiritual growth and development as individuals are encouraged to participate actively in activities such as communion (USCCBs 1).
Of great importance is societal funding of initiatives that seek to promote the welfare of minority populations has direct impacts on marriages and families. Minority populations are wide and varied and typical examples include the women, disabled, and young children. In some instances, the unique and specific needs of these populations are not included in the planning process. This denies them a chance to enjoy equal opportunities like their counterparts. This increases their vulnerability to social challenges that undermine the quality of life. From a cultural and traditional point of view, such persons are labeled a bad omen. In certain communities that are highly indigenous as reserved, minorities such as the disabled are segregated from the society and their needs are not provided for by the planners. Lack of education facilities for instance deprives them a chance to equal employment opportunities. In indigenous communities, disabled children triggered tension between couples and in some cases influenced incidences if divorce and separation (Thomas 116).
This trend has changed over time as currently, their needs are provided for by certain agencies as well as government programs. The religious and human activist groups play an important role in spearheading relative initiatives that are informed by religious values. From this point of view, human life is respected and protected, regardless of the status of the individual. Initiatives directed at capacity building have also played n important role in altering the public perceptions towards the minorities. More than ever, they are appreciated and accepted within the society. Although this has consumed a wide range of resources, it has been noteworthy in protecting marriages whose existence was initially threatened by the presence of minorities such as the disabled. Empowering women on the other hand has enabled them to participate actively in marriage. In particular, they make significant contributions to the economic wellbeing of families. This aids in easing tension that stems from the implications of lack of sufficient financial understanding.
Conclusion
The marriage and family institution is defined by a union of two persons of different sexes and is divinely ordained. The welfare of marriage and the family institution is currently threatened by various factors that undermine its effective functioning. Financial issues have been cited to have diverse impacts on these institutions. As it has come out from the study, they are responsible for increasing cases of divorce. This is because related conflicts increase tension and make it difficult for spouses to agree on important issues besides finances. They are caused by materialism, accumulation of debt and poor spending habits in general. Investments and assets on the other hand strengthen marital and family ties because of their ability to foster happiness and prevent incidences of divorce. Since the family unit is centrally located in the society, it is also influenced by societal decisions that are made at different levels. Economic trends have direct impacts on this institution as they influence decision related to divorce n social unity. The society also impacts on the family and marriage institutions through its decisions about the environment, minority groups, law, family institution, abortion and stem cell research. In conclusion, it is certain that finances related to family and marriage is wide and varied.
Work Cited
Duncun, Stephen. Managing Family Finances While Protecting Your Marriage. Real Families, Real Answers, Accessed 6th September, 2010 from < HYPERLINK “http://realfamiliesrealanswers.org/” http://realfamiliesrealanswers.org/>
Howard, Dayton. Money and Marriage: God’s Way. USA: Moody Publishers, 2009.
Stanley, Scott, Trathen, Daniel & McCain, Savanna. A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998.
Thomas, David. Christian Marriage: The New Challenge, 2nd Edition. USA: Liturgical Press, 2007.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs). How the Catholic Church is Combating Sexual Abuse. Accessed 6th September, 2010 from < HYPERLINK “http://www.usccb.org/” http://www.usccb.org/>
Wilcox, Bradford. The State of Our Marriage: Money and Marriage. Institute of American Values, Accessed 6th September, 2010 from < HYPERLINK “http://www.virginia.edu/marriageproject/pdfs/Union_11_25_09.pdf” t “_blank” www.virginia.edu/marriageproject/pdfs/Union_11_25_09.pdf>
