"Every society in the history of man has upheld the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman. Why? Because society is based on one thing: that society is based on the future of the society. And that's what? Children. Monogamous relationships"

Rick Santorum's quote highlights his viewpoint on the conventional institution of marriage and its viewed significance to social structure. He asserts that historically, societies have generally valued marital relationship as a union between a male and a female. According to Santorum, the reasoning behind this universal norm is inherently linked to the future of society, which he identifies as being essentially about children.

In this context, Santorum appears to argue that the primary function of marriage, as upheld by societies throughout history, is procreation. He implies that the continuation and stability of society depend on the production and nurturing of kids within steady family units. By suggesting that societies are basically based on the future, which corresponds to children in his view, he underscores the perceived connection between conventional monogamous relationships and social connection.

Additionally, his focus on monogamous relationships indicates a belief that children gain from being raised in a household with both a mother and a daddy. In this view, the two-parent model is seen as perfect for cultivating a steady environment for children, which in turn supports the wider stability and success of society.

Critics may argue that this perspective is limited as it does not account for the variety and altering nature of household structures in modern society. In time, the meanings and types of familial and marital bonds have developed, including the approval of same-sex marriages and numerous types of cohabitation or partnership. Advocates of more inclusive views on marital relationship may contend that the core values of shared support and love are more crucial to social health than strictly adhering to conventional types.

In summary, Santorum's statement shows a traditionalist viewpoint that emphasizes marital relationship's function in societal extension through child-rearing within monogamous, heterosexual unions. This view becomes part of broader arguments on marital relationship and family in modern-day discourse, where standard views often contrast with evolving social norms and understandings of household.