Track 23

Unit 12

Sociology

Marriage

Page 118

Talk about the topic

Parts A and B

It’s funny when I think of my parents and their married friend, they’re all so similar, just like the letter said. But people our age, it seems like I see a lot of diversity in the couples now.

So in other words, in your parents’ generation you see a lot of homogamy, but not a ours?

Yeah, I mean, I’m from a pretty conservative family, so my parents and people like them, don’t want to challenge the norm, you know?

Yeah. Well, I mean I grew up in New York City and so there are a lot of mixed marriages there.

Like racially mixed?

Right, yeah, okay, good point. So, maybe in the other ways, like education and class, those couples are still homogenous.

You know, what I find fascinating is that in many cultures, marriage seems to be less and less important every day. I mean, I know a lot of couples that are living together but they’re not even married.

Actually, where I’m from, that’s totally unacceptable.

Really?

Yeah, people frown upon it and no one talks about it openly.

Well, I think even here, generally, couples are expected to get married. I mean, especially if they’re planning on having children.

Well, I love to be a sociologist a 100 years from now and see what marriages look like then. I think big changes are ahead.

You don’t have to wait that long.