I am posting this question here so I can hear some moderate opinions about this subject, because most of the other subs are on two extremes of the spectrum on this matter. For rich men, historically and at present, getting married had certain advantages, for example, alliances, dowry, land, trousseau, economic benefits, etc. But for the common man, what is the economic benefit, historically as well as at present? If it is simply sexual intercourse, surely hiring a prostitute would be cheaper than having to pay for a wife? Also, children are a massive investment that produce returns too late into the parent's lifetime, so why the drive to have children? Surely, it is just an economic loss for men. So, why do men still wanted to get married in the past and the present? Is it because of societal pressure?

P.S. My question is related only for heterosexual couples.