When referring to the institution of marriage in Asian countries, one often thinks of the open customs of Japan and Korea, but in these countries, monogamy is still widely practiced. However, the Philippines exhibits a unique diversity and inclusivity.
In the Philippines, despite the predominance of the Catholic faith, the Muslim community enjoys a privilege: some Muslim men can marry up to four wives. However, this right is not available to everyone and is subject to strict social and economic conditions. The existence of this polygamy system has sparked many discussions about family dynamics and the distribution of resources.
Marriage concepts and customs in the Philippines are rooted in religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Catholic doctrine teaches that marriage is a divine arrangement that cannot be dissolved once it has been concluded. Therefore, Filipino society has a very cautious attitude towards the decision to get married, which usually requires a long time to get along and get to know each other.
However, not all marriages are happy. Some people face various problems after marriage and even suffer from domestic violence. But due to the complicated process and high cost of divorce, many people choose to endure misfortune rather than choose relief. This circumstance makes divorce extremely rare in Filipino society.
In addition to the institution of marriage, the Philippines faces a number of social challenges. The state prohibits contraception, which leads to the widespread spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS in society. Because of the Catholic tradition of childbearing, it is not permissible to kill a pregnant child in the Philippines, which has led to an acceleration of population growth. At the same time, the surplus labor force has led to a rise in unemployment, further exacerbating social instability.
In the Philippines, poverty and social injustice are particularly problematic. Some poor families even sell their daughters as wives in exchange for financial income. This buying and selling of wives is particularly prevalent in slums, highlighting serious problems of social class and economic disparities.
Despite the challenges, Filipino society has shown great resilience and inclusiveness. Many Filipinos choose to work abroad to improve their lives through hard work. Filipino maids, in particular, have gained a good reputation internationally for their hard work and professional skills, becoming the first choice of many families. Their efforts and dedication have brought immense contributions to Filipino society and demonstrated the resilience and courage of the Filipino people.