Alpha (fe)male: part two

Let me begin my post by saying that I am not opposed to marriage. But in the context of writing about the success of feminism in the 21st century, a civil union between a man and a woman quite simply does not have the same impact that it did in the past. Let's put aside the religion aspect of marriage, and just focus on the civil union from a woman's perspective. While a century ago, a marriage ensured a woman some level of financial security, legal and tax privileges, and probably helped their baby's daddies with their committment issues. However, what is in it for a woman to get married in 2010? As I have layed out, women are making more money than ever, living longer, and better educated than ever before. The role of "woman's work" is made easier year after year with things like the dishwasher, and washing machine. In addition, according to Newsweek, in two out of every three families, women either make the same or more than their husbands. However, almost every woman my age is still obsessed with marriage. More than ever, I am convinced that it is the idea of a wedding that is so attractive, not marriage. With the wedding industry being almost a 100 billion dollar a year industry, and every cable station wasting my time with shows like "Bridezilla" and "Say yes to the dress", the ideas of a wedding is more attractive than ever. A marriage is certainly not about commitment these days. 60% of married men and women will have sex with a different person than their spouse during their lifetime. Not kiss or "hook-up"... have sex with a different person. Perhaps it is the stigma of having a child out of wedlock that makes so many of us marriage obsessed. Well, last year 41% of births were out of wedlock. The stigma plays a factor, but it is not a huge factor. In terms of tax purposes, it is actually now beneficial to NOT be married. Needless to say, I am only presenting a cynical, borderline hypocritical point of view. I myself look forward to one day being married and there are countless studies to show that married people live longer, have less stress, and are happier. I just think when men marry they do for love, I think when women marry they do for love... and a big, fat, resplendent wedding that will make their friends envious.