companionate marriage

The concept of "companionate marriage" emerged in the early 20th century as a modern approach to partnership, emphasizing mutual affection, equality, and personal fulfillment over traditional roles and economic necessity.

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Definition

B2Sociology

(modern, informal)A marriage where partners prioritize emotional companionship, mutual respect, and shared interests.

Example

  • Their companionate marriage allowed them to pursue their careers without the pressure of traditional roles.
  • In a companionate marriage, both partners focus on mutual affection and shared activities.

C1History

(academic, historical)A type of marriage that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by mutual consent, equality, and the option to divorce amicably.

Example

  • Companionate marriages became more common as societal norms shifted in the early 1900s.
  • The rise of companionate marriage reflected changing attitudes toward women's independence.

C1Anthropology

(technical, academic)A marital arrangement focusing on complicity, communication, and emotional support between spouses, rather than traditional material concerns.

Example

  • Anthropologists study companionate marriage to understand evolving family structures.
  • Companionate marriage emphasizes the emotional bond over economic or social convenience.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "companionate marriage":

marriage litemixed marriagetraditional marriage