From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!zeppo!whuxlb!dfh
Newsgroups: net.singles
Title: Why marriage contracts?
Article-I.D.: whuxlb.799
Posted: Tue Nov 16 14:22:28 1982
Received: Wed Nov 17 05:27:47 1982

	There has been numerous mail on pre-marriage contracts,
the purpose of marriage, and why marriage.  One point lightly
touched on was that marriage has been an institution that for a number
of years provided a necessary function:  the smooth transition
of civilization from one generation to another.  Women were assured
that if they fullfilled the ability to bear children, men would provide
material security.  Men were assured that the children they provided for
were theirs.  Due to a lack of contraception and society's general
resistance to change, the custom of marriage has only begun to change
significantly in this century. 
	So, when addressing the marriage questions, consider; if you're
marrying for traditional reasons, the old ways probably fit (they've
been tweaked for centuries).  If you're marrying for *love*, to have
a companion, for physical satisfaction, or other *modern* reasons,
then a contract makes sense.  Since the law and society in general has
not really addressed those type marriages, why let laws regulating a
children-oriented contract rule a completely different contract.

				32, no kids, and not married
				David Hoerl, BTL Whippany