[ClearCase_guy]

When society decided--and we have decided, this fight is over--that society would no longer decide the legitimacy of sexual relations between particular men and women, weddings became basically symbolic rather than substantive

I think this is very true. If the trend is ever to be reversed, society must become more open about bastard children being an embarassment, divorce a matter of shame, single motherhood (other than widowhood) a cause for public humiliation, and "shacking up" a cause for scandal.

I don't think our society wants to go there. But until these "non-marriage" choices are openly criticized, we will just see more and more extreme examples of them.

[ScudEast]

...If the trend is ever to be reversed, society must become more open about bastard children being an embarassment, divorce a matter of shame, single motherhood (other than widowhood) a cause for public humiliation, and "shacking up" a cause for scandal.

I don't think our society wants to go there. But until these "non-marriage" choices are openly criticized, we will just see more and more extreme examples of them.

I had a thought on this. Back in the day, having children out of wedlock would result in financial penury - the workhouse or worse for those with no family to support them or an intolerable strain on family finances for those who did. Perhaps this is partly what caused the taboo about the things you mention. Now those pressures are not there, or at least greatly reduced, the taboo had gone. I don't have a solution to it, but it's a possible cause.

[familyofman]

"If the trend is ever to be reversed, society must become more open about bastard children being an embarassment, divorce a matter of shame, single motherhood (other than widowhood) a cause for public humiliation, and "shacking up" a cause for scandal.

I don't think our society wants to go there. "

I agree with the first part of your comments regarding the battering of the ramparts. But, I think you missed the point that these battles were not only engaged - and that clear winners have already been declared. It's sad but true.

There are still some of us that take our vows seriously - but I fear we are a dying breed.