Final answer:
The phrase 'married bachelor' is a contradiction as a bachelor is defined as an unmarried man. The concept of being unmarried holds different societal implications for men and women, with shifting perceptions over time. Marriage itself varies across cultures, but is traditionally seen as a legal union between two individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Concept of a 'Married Bachelor'-
The term 'married bachelor' is indeed a contradiction as the traditional definition of a bachelor implies that the person is unmarried. The confusion can arise when we do not consider the necessary and sufficient conditions in logical terms. Being unmarried is a necessary condition for being a bachelor, just as being a mammal is a necessary condition for being a dog. However, being a bachelor is not a necessary condition for being unmarried, given that women can also be unmarried. An unmarried woman cannot be a bachelor because 'bachelor' is a term specifically for unmarried men.
Societal perceptions and pressures around the concepts of being unmarried differ for men and women. The semantics and societal implications surrounding these terms have evolved, and while there can be social pressure to get married, perceptions are changing. For instance, single men may be seen as choosing not to settle down whereas single women can sometimes be unjustly labeled as 'spinsters' or 'old maids.' Over time, however, there has been a shift, with women finding security and happiness in being unmarried, especially as they find success in other aspects of their life.
Marriage itself can be difficult to define as it varies greatly across cultures and individuals. It is traditionally seen as a legally recognized social contract between two people, often associated with a sexual relationship and the expectation of a permanent union. Cultural relativism allows us to understand that marriage can have various forms, not always fitting into the traditional Western concept of being between only two people or even requiring legal recognition.