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Marriage is an important social institution because it is central to the family system - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2009
Question 5
Marriage is an important social institution because it is central to the family system. It confers certain rights and responsibilities on partners. (a) Identify and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Marriage is an important social institution because it is central to the family system - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 5 - 2009
Step 1
Identify and elaborate on the rights and responsibilities of a couple within a marriage relationship.
Answer
In a marriage relationship, couples possess several rights and responsibilities. These include:
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Right to Companionship: Each partner has the right to the companionship of the other, fostering emotional intimacy and support.
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Conjugal Rights: This includes the right to physical intimacy, which is fundamental to marital life.
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Cohabitation: Partners are expected to live together, sharing a home and building a life together.
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Financial Maintenance: Under the Maintenance of Spouses and Children Act, each spouse has the right to financial support from the other, ensuring economic stability.
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Loyalty and Faithfulness: Each partner has a responsibility to be loyal and faithful, fostering trust within the relationship.
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Parenting Responsibilities: Couples share the responsibility of guardianship and the care of any children born during the marriage, including decisions related to education and welfare.
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Inheritance Rights: In the event of one partner's death, the other has specific rights under the Succession Act, ensuring fair distribution of assets.
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Protection under Legal Frameworks: Partners are protected under the Family Home Protection Act, which safeguards the family home from being sold without consent.
Step 2
Discuss the benefits of pre-marriage courses for couples preparing for marriage.
Answer
Pre-marriage courses offer numerous benefits for couples preparing to marry, including:
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Setting Realistic Expectations: Couples learn about the realities of marriage, thereby setting realistic expectations about what to expect in their marital journey.
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Communication Skills: Courses provide essential communication skills that are vital for expressing needs, feelings, and resolving conflicts effectively.
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Conflict Resolution: Couples are taught conflict resolution techniques, enabling them to handle disagreements in a constructive manner, minimizing potential issues in the marriage.
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Understanding Roles: Participants gain insight into each other’s roles and responsibilities within the marriage, helping in better role acceptance and sharing.
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Financial Planning: The courses often cover financial responsibilities and planning, which are critical aspects that can influence marital satisfaction.
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Personal Reflection: Couples engage in self-assessment, allowing them to understand their own values, backgrounds, and how these may affect the marriage.
Step 3
Explain how Irish family law protects the rights of family members in the event of marriage breakdown.
Answer
Irish family law provides several protections for family members during a marriage breakdown. These include:
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Maintenance for Spouses and Children: Under the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976, there is legal provision for financial support for spouses and children post-separation.
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Family Home Protection: The Family Home Protection Act 1976 ensures that both spouses have a say in the sale or mortgage of the family home, protecting against financial exploitation.
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Judicial Separation: In cases of marital breakdown, couples can seek a judicial separation under the Judicial Separation Act 1989, allowing for court-ordered separation terms.
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Dependent Family Members: The Family (Divorce) Act 1996 provides for dependents, ensuring their rights are safeguarded even when marital relationships are ending.
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Children at Risk: If there is a concern for a child's safety, the Health Service Executive (HSE) can intervene, ensuring their protection from risk factors associated with breakdown.