Final answer:
From the Eighteenth to Twentieth Centuries, love became a central component of marriage in Western society, marking a shift from transactional and duty-based marriages to those based on mutual affection and personal choice. This change reflects a broader evolution in societal norms and practices surrounding relationships and family structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between the Eighteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Western society’s ideas of marriage shifted significantly. One notable change is that love became a central component of marriage. This turn towards romantic love is associated with a broader idea of marriage being a personal choice based on mutual affection, rather than a transactional arrangement or a mere societal duty.
Historically, marriages often served practical purposes, such as forming alliances, increasing one's social status, or securing economic benefits. Over time, especially in Western societies, the notion of marrying for love gained prominence, with the idea that marriage should be based on personal connection and romantic feelings. This is quite a departure from earlier periods when marriages were often arranged, and factors like dowries and familial alliances played a significant role.
The trend of marrying for love continues to evolve, with variations in how marriage is practiced and perceived—particularly in relation to gender roles and the legal recognition of same-sex unions. The example of Iceland, where a majority of children are born to committed but unmarried couples, illustrates the increasing flexibility in relationships and the evolving nature of familial structures.