I'm not swayed an inch by the tradition argument. Many traditions have been lost because they were contrary to human rights, fell out of favor, or just didn't fit anymore. In the interests of discussion, can you name one that:
- Has been tradition for more than 5 centuries
- Has been tradition in every known human culture
- Has been lost in another culture besides the Euro-American culture but is still alive.
Marriage is not just "a tradition" it is the tradition which underpins society. It teaches people how to sacrifice for the good of the whole, passes on the notions of duty and honor, and gives parents a reason to bring the lessons of the past into the future. Food for thought:
During the slave years, the southernors kept the slaves from becoming powerful enough to fight for their own rights in part by destroying their families.
Once the blacks could form good family institutions they rose quickly to the point where they could demand their civil rights.
The dimocrats didn't like that, so they created "The Great Society" to destroy black families again. Now look where the blacks are (except conservative ones).
Shalom.
Your light on anthropology citing five centuries of practice. You omit polygamy, 12 year olds, contracted marriages, buying brides etc. Did these practices not fit into your example.
I just don't know how you can cite the tradition of marriage when it is so varied and sometimes contrary to modern sensibilities.