Marriage: A way to a better life?

I recently had a disturbing conversation that led me to think if Marriage is still a way for women to "get" a better life? There was a time when marriage was the only way for women to get away from strict parental control and have their own household. I always thought that this was pretty stupid of us- considering that no matter how far we run, this is only a way of changing handlers- control goes from parents to the husband and In-Laws. However, to an extent it made sense- if you are poor, try getting married into a better social circle and perhaps, you will be granted certain liberties that were denied earlier. Has the situation changed today?

I am not denying Love- not now, not then. But to believe that Love is  not a calculated endeavor, even subconsciously determined by cultural perceptions and personal tastes- would be deceptive. However, Love today has a much wider opportunity to flourish- with open minds and care-free hearts. Marriage is an even more strategic move. Its hard to generalise this for all women in the country- but we do subconsciously try to find a man who is intellectually and monetarily in a better situation than us, or at least equal. For men though, I don't think this is their determining criteria for their life-partners- perhaps families still focus on Looks, Family background etc and then salary- which is mostly less than what the guy earns. The man being the bread-winner is heavily entrenched- in our patterns of Love-Arranged marriages.

I can hardly deny my own case- I have always been attracted to men who are technically sound- maybe cos i am not. My marriage has not brought me a "better" life- perhaps a different one, but with better access to certain opportunities. The procedure of 'choosing' a list of guys in an arranged marriage set-up is done by parents who want the best- better than the present- for their daughter.

Its hard to conclude. I think that if a women has had a proper education and is gainfully employed, in a situation where she does not need a man (at least monetarily, if not emotionally)- getting married to a man with better prospects is perhaps a financially-sound, rational decision. It gives both a 'better' life. However, if this situation does not tick the criteria, it might on the surface seem that the women has gained- but keep in mind, the man also chooses and again, i wonder if the majority have fallen in the same disillusionment as our ancestors- just a change of handlers and illusion of a better life.