Marriage: Traditional vs. Equal... What is the difference?
"Traditional Marriage" is a term that you surely have heard,
while the definition may be unique to each person, the general
summation of the term has one partner working and supplying for
a family while the other stays at home cleaning and taking care
of the family. Today's world "traditional marriage" has become
less frequent with the immergence of the "equal marriage".
An "equal marriage" is not inherently the opposite of a
"traditional marriage", but still remains very different. Here,
both partners work outside of the home and expect equal duties
when it comes to the home and family. Money is considered "our
money" providing both partners the same control over the funds,
even if different banking accounts exist. Despite the monetary
contribution figures, there is no tab kept when it comes to who
pays the bills more. This makes no difference, because the money
is "our money".
When it comes to spending the money in an "equal marriage",
purchases and time of purchases become mutual decisions. Debt
situations are also mutual decisions. Purchasing decisions
usually pertain to "bigger" purchases.
Money is the obvious contingent in an "equal marriage" but not
the only. Household chores are also considered. There are no
rules on the division of housework or similar duties. Rules can
be set, letting the only discrepancy to be the quality of the
work.
When children exist in an "equal marriage" neither partner is
designated the role of primary caretaker. It is important to
remember that neither partner's job is of greater importance
than the other. Each partner is to consider their work situation
and divide the duties in accordance to their ability to spend
time doing the caretaking. This may be the hardest part of
participating in an "equal marriage". But if a proper schedule
can be determined an "equal marriage" can be a successful
relationship that can encompass all of the important aspects of
the "traditional marriage".