Final answer:
Marriage is considered risky for women due to the potential for a loss of autonomy, economic dependence, and the societal pressures to conform to traditional marriage roles. Historical and legal contexts have often placed women in subordinate positions, and even with modern advances, economic and social challenges continue to reinforce these risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marriage can be seen as risky for women due to societal expectations and legal hindrances. Historically and in some societies today, marriage often involves a woman coming under the legal control of her husband, which can lead to a loss of autonomy. Additionally, gender roles and expectations have long pressed women into economic dependence, where they may find it difficult to leave an unsatisfactory or abusive marriage due to financial instability. Throughout history, from marrying at young ages to being burdened with the legal constraints and risks of being unable to initiate a divorce, women have faced challenges that position marriage as a risk.
Pressure on women to conform to societal norms of marriage often leaves them subject to derogatory labels such as "spinsters" or "old maids" if they remain unmarried, which can contribute to feelings of insecurity and displacement. By contrast, men are rarely subjected to the same level of scrutiny. Moreover, in some countries, women's rights to make personal decisions, such as the right to education and the freedom to choose their attire, are still restricted, thereby compromising their autonomy further.
In more modern contexts, despite shifts towards more independence for women, economic and social pressures continue to present challenges. For instance, female employment may be stigmatized, leading to a lack of economic freedom. Feminist movements have therefore advocated for women's economic independence, the right to retain property during marriage, and voting rights as tools for empowerment and self-defense against inequalities forged within the institution of marriage.