Maybe it's just unfortunate connotation with the phrasing but "these marriages were taken for granted" sounds like the author is saying that people didn't appreciate that they could do that back then.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That really isn't what that phrase means, taken for granted just means people thought it was a normal part of life. It's taken for granted now that we don't have metallic skin and electric eyes, but if we are lucky that won't always be the case.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I beg to differ. This is straight up the second definition on Merriam Webster. It's a poor choice of words if the author didn't want readers to interpret it this way.

to value (something or someone) too lightly

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20for%20granted