Abstract: In today's ever-changing world, where we have so many options and are often alienated from each other, I wondered why people still choose to get married. In my thesis I investigated how values and motivations that influence marriage have changed over generations. I focused on a comparison of two generations, namely, the younger generation of my peers and the older generation, which fits in with our parents' generation. I have explored their reasons and views on marriage and compared and analysed them with each other. In the theoretical part, I identified key theories on values, motivation, the history of the development of marriage and the influence of social, cultural and economic factors on individuals' decisions to marry. Then, in the empirical part of the research, I conducted eight interviews with individuals, from two selected generations, who had decided to marry. In the interviews, I focused on the impact of family values, social pressure, religious beliefs, personal expectations and changes in views on love, personal growth and financial security. The results showed significant differences in the meaning of marriage between the generations. The younger generation sees marriage as a natural extension of a partnership, often perceiving it as an enrichment and personal fulfilment. Meanwhile, the older generation sees marriage as a stable foundation for family life, involving responsibility, security and long-term commitment. For them, marriage is often linked to family values, traditions and customs, which have shaped their choices. Based on the findings, I conclude with suggestions that could help to improve support for young couples and increase the stability of marriages.
|
