Despite the pitfalls of modern marriage in a world forged by feminism, the institution itself remains integral to our humanity.
On Saturday, DailyWire host Michael Knowles uploaded a debate with the social commentator Pearl Davis on YouTube. They covered a topic that addresses something important that is often overlooked yet is a growing rift between members of the Right: the place of marriage in our feminized society.
Knowles, a traditional Catholic, stood by the “old school”‘” traditional view that marriage, despite what the government has done to weaken it, is still a vital institution that men and women should pursue.
Pearl held what some now call a “red-pilled” perspective that because the government has given women an unfair advantage and because men are more often the victims of divorce, there are not enough good women left for it to be worth it for men to pursue marriage.
Davis had many correct observations. Based on the numbers, marriage does look potentially dangerous for men. No-fault divorce enables easy divorces. This becomes problematic when 70% of marriages are initiated by women; 90% if they are college-educated. Seventy-nine point nine percent of wives get custody of the children. Eighty-four percent of husbands pay child support, and that ends up being a median of $354 per month.
However, it is fair to say that despite their newfound girlboss powers, women are not necessarily any more well off either. Their average income falls 41% following divorce. They have no one to share the burden of raising the children they likely won in court. In time, 27% regret their divorces. Similarly, many who let themselves get used by men later regret that too, as many OnlyFans users will soon find out.
Despite the negative aspects of the law, men and women should still pursue marriage.
Marriage provides stability, security, support, and accountability to both. Many of its negatives can be easily resolved through frequent acts of generosity and kindness. It is fulfilling because it brings people in line with their purpose; it is a commitment sworn under God to work out their problems and pursue the higher good in cooperation.
Figures such as Andrew Tate and Pearl Davis may seem appealing for their emphasis on traditional masculinity, the distinctions between the sexes, and the unfair way men are treated in our current society. And they are certainly correct in their observations on the confused double standards in society.
But they inadvertently fall into the same traps that liberals do by rejecting marriage as a destructive and therefore disposable institution. Advocating for the avoidance of marriage altogether, effectively the abolition of the family unit, is an inherently leftist view. That is exactly what the Left wants. It means they win. The red pills seem not aware of this.
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Feminism indeed hijacked and messed up society, but that is not a reason to reject marriage. Actual marriage, between a man and a woman, is an objective good. It has been here long before feminism, and it will be here long after it is gone.
Understand what the actual purpose of marriage is, use prudence to find and select a viable spouse, and your marriage will already be set on a path to success.
Parker Miller is a 2024 Washington Examiner winter fellow.