An Exploratory Study of Friendship Marriage and Its Role in Redefining Partnership for Economic Security and Personal Autonomy in Modern Society

Abstract

The present paper will explore the new trend of friendship marriage, which is a model of contractual partnership, where partners become legally married out of practical reasons instead of love. We discuss the way this arrangement responds to the current situation in relationships, economic considerations, and changing social frameworks and how it obviates the housing expenses, tax efficiency, and social assistance without undoing the individual autonomy. The paper shows the role of friendship marriages as a practical way of dealing with economic strain and shifting concepts of companionship, especially among well-to-do young adults in search of alternative avenues of stability and security. Based on sociological studies, the economic evidence, and legal cases, this exploration proves how friendship marriages disrupt the conventional ideas of matrimony and provide new approaches to address contemporary lifestyle and financial issues. The study shows that such arrangements offer significant economic gains such as tax savings, property ownership, and cost-sharing of living, and individual freedom of romantic activities. Nevertheless, considerable obstacles still exist in the form of housing needs, acceptance in the family, and legal problems that might occur. With the increasing economic stress, and the constantly changing social attitudes, the friendship marriage is likely to grow more popular among educated members of the professional society in search of security without the conventional romantic considerations, thus the legal regulations and social policies concerning recognition of partnerships might change accordingly.