Being Married: The Public Nature of Our Private Relationships, Yodanis Carrie, Lauer Sean

Why, especially in a time of increasing options, do people still keep, honor, and obey the institution of marriage? The answer in a sociological perspective and key sociological theories. The lack of innovation in who and when individuals marry and how they live and interact within marriage comes from the continuing formal and informal rules and taken for granted expectations of marriage. The influence of these rules and expectations is so strong that attempts at innovation and alternatives to marriage, including remaining single, cohabitation, same sex marriage, and communes, are shaped and constrained by the institution of marriage. The authors show how our private relationships are public issues.