It is largely the rise of the world society based around instant gratification and easy disposal that causes these issues - sure there is some based around the empowerment of women not to take so much crap, but I think that is actually relatively minor. If people accepted that life required hard work, sacrifice and patience then it wouldn't be such an issue.
I have to disagree with you. It wasn't until the mid 1980's in Australia a man could be charged with raping his wife. Domestic violence was seen as a woman stepped out of line and her husband had to put her back in her place. When women in the Australian Public Service married they were forced to resign. In 1916 the Tax Office annual report declared its delight that ‘the employment of females on the less important work of the department has been a success’. 1928 women were fighting for 8 hour work days, like the men.
Women are not objects, are not possessions, there is still discrimination (I appreciate racism, sex discrimination and other forms of discrimination are still major issues, but I think that is for another thread), unequal pay and many other things women have to fight for. Women are not to be so easily dismissed and are not content to live their lives in their man's shadow, at his beck and call, to comply and jump to his every whim and need.
Women (and men) in abusive relationships sometimes are able to recognise they do not need to accept it anymore, infidelity does not need to be accepted anymore (obviously depending on the individual relationship and circumstances), a woman should not be forced to have sex against her will, husband or not. This isn't just empowerment, it is about the right to live your life without fear, prejudice or being seen as an unimportant and disposable. Dowry burnings, "female circumcision", killing female children because they are seen as less than male children, domestic abuse (physical and mental) continue and if someone is brave enough to fight their way out of a cycle like that and start again with nothing and no one to help them, I think it very insulting to categorise this as not taking as much crap.
There are some people (eg. Britney Spears) who do get a quickie wedding and then have it annulled. However, this would not be possible if the chuch did not offer quickie weddings. Lodge an application, wait 6 months and you will receive your licence. It should not be as easy as driving through McDonalds and getting a burger.
Generally though I think people do take marriage/relationships seriously, particularly if they have assets like a house. I just think people are less willing to be violated, demeaned and made to feel worthless by someone that is suppose to care for them. People are less willing to just do with their lot. There are a lot more people going to marriage counselling and trying to work things out, sometimes things are broken and cannot be fixed, and in that case it is best to go and start fresh and pick up the pieces and create a new life for yourself where you can be content with your life and have a little bit of self esteem.
A lot of women (including women I know very well, and multiple women not just a couple) take a lot of abuse that I would not take. Their partners cut them off from their family and friends so there is no one to rely on except their partner, and then they get broken down with insults and mental abuse that makes them think they deserve no better than to be a servant, their opinion is worth nothing and they are worth nothing. It is really hard to see, and when it ends in divorce and you get a phone call or visit from someone you have not seen for a long time because they have been under the thumb for so long, it is difficult to make them see their true value, to get them to trust again and to get them to have "normal" human interactions. It is always easier to remember the negative things said to you than the positive things said to you. Mental abuse does not leave bruises, cuts or damage that can be captured in a photograph, and as it cannot be seen it cannot easily be proven or circumvented. If someone turns up at work or a family member shows up with bruises, you know something is going on. If someone is losing themselves and slipping into depression you sometimes really need to be watching to see something is wrong, and sometimes it is too late to get through without professional assistance from a caring, qualified doctor who will be patience and persistent with the rebuilding process.
My head is full of a lot of thoughts, and I think I may have read more into your comment than you intended, but I am very passionate about equality (not just sex equality, all forms of equality), even if I am not articulate.
Women are not content with being in the 1950's and 1960's anymore where the advice from womens magazines was basically the man is king and the woman is there to serve him. eg.
The Good Wife's Guide
From Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955.
Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity.
Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.
Prima Junta. Very cute 2nd photo. And there is a cycle of abuse. It is incredibly difficult to get out of an abusive relationship and even harder not to fall into the same trap again. It is incredibly hard to break the cycle and if you are abused as a child to not do the same to your own children. I believe we are all creations of our life experiences, and the longer the behaviour and the more impactful the behaviour, the harder it is to change.