Is Marriage Just a Fad?

The institution of marriage hasn’t had a good go of it of late.  Not only is the gay marriage debate sparking animosity, but straight marriage has also been the victim of several recent screeds.   The general argument is that in this age of sexual equality when a wife no longer must rely on a husband for her lifestyle, a series of dramatic yet life-affirming love affairs may be ultimately more fulfilling than a long, yet typically flaccid, companionate marriage.

Today in Slate, Aaron Traister provides a rare defense of the walk down the aisle.  Previous marriage critics include The Atlantic’s Sandra Tsing Loh and Cristina Nehring in her book A Vindication of Love.

On Big Think, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Rick Warren make their own arguments for traditional marriage.