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We Need to Remove the Sexism from Marriage Rituals CONTINUED |
The next sexist aspect of traditional marriage rituals that needs to be eliminated is the bride's father paying
for the wedding. This custom serves as the passing of the baton of financial support--from father to husband. In
paying for a daughter's wedding, the father makes one last grand act of providership before turning this duty
over to the new son-in-law. Again, I maintain that grown women are NOT supported by their husbands as long
as they are working every day to provide for the needs of their families. I would like to see the custom of
fathers paying for their daughters’ weddings done away with because it feeds the whole "men as providers"
mentality. The costs of a wedding should be shared by everyone involved--the bride's family, the groom's
family and the bride and groom themselves. If there are significant economic disparities between the families,
people can contribute labor instead of money. Some people can help prepare the food, decorate, or clean up
afterward; all of these labor donations are as valuable as cash contributions. Handling the arrangements in this
way gives everyone the opportunity to feel they are making a valuable contribution. If we continue to
participate in sexist marriage customs, we are sabotaging our efforts to create truly equal relationships between
men and women. Rather than participate in outmoded rituals we should create new rituals--rituals that can help
move us a step closer to the future we glimpse in our moments of vision. < Previous Next >
GO TO TOPIC:
Introduction Does Government-Regulated Marriage Makes Sense? The Negative Side of Governmental Regulation of Marriage Customizing Your Marriage Contract With a Prenuptial Agreement Deciding Whether Legal Marriage Is the Right Option for You Letting Go of the “Till Death Do Us Part” Myth Who in Our Society Should Perform Marriage Ceremonies? We Need to Remove the Sexism from Marriage Rituals The Need for Parenthood Ceremonies Support for Gay Marriages What About Sexually Open Marriages / Relationships? Marriage Ceremony for Couples Intending to Have Children. Marriage Ceremony for Couples Not Intending to Parent A Lesbian Marriage Ceremony A Gay Marriage Ceremony Marriage Ceremony for a Senior Couple |
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