Loners

In Western society today, (and I focus more on the cities and faster-paced societies) I think we've become far more independent, and therefore, far more isolated. We are really a society of loners. It is far more common these days for someone to live alone for at least part of their life, if not all of it. My point is, marriage isn't as important as it used to be; it has become a piece of paper rather than a sacred commitment. Divorce is so easy an option, that what does a piece of paper mean anymore? The major functions of marriage aren't to raise children, be a part of your community, join the two families, etc. I'd say that the major functions of marriage these days are to attempt to survive a rapidly changing society, and for taxes. A lot of people these days aren't having children until their "careers take off" or they don't at all, or they have them young, divorce and someone takes custody and then they have children without marriage anyway. I think in other cultures it is still sacred. Within our own country there is a huge difference in the importance of marriage. It depends on your religion, community, up-bringing etc.