Marriage

Definition

Marriage is a socially recognized and approved union between two individuals, typically a man and a woman, that establishes a legal and/or spiritual bond, creating a new family unit. It is a fundamental social institution that shapes family and household dynamics within a given culture or society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marriage is a universal human institution, found in all known societies, though the specific cultural practices and norms surrounding it vary greatly.
2. The primary functions of marriage include the legitimization of sexual relations, the establishment of a stable environment for raising children, and the creation of economic and social ties between families.
3. Marriage can be a religious, legal, or cultural ceremony that confers specific rights and responsibilities on the married couple, such as property ownership, inheritance, and decision-making authority.
4. The concept of the nuclear family, consisting of a married couple and their children, is a common but not universal model of the household structure in many societies.
5. Changing social attitudes and legal frameworks have led to the recognition of same-sex marriages in an increasing number of countries around the world.

Review Questions

• Explain how the institution of marriage shapes family and household dynamics within a given culture or society.
  • Marriage is a fundamental social institution that defines the structure and roles within a family unit. It establishes legal, economic, and social ties between individuals, creating a new household and kinship network. The specific cultural norms and practices surrounding marriage, such as the expectations of monogamy or polygamy, the division of household responsibilities, and the rights and obligations of spouses, profoundly influence the organization and functioning of families and households within a society.
• Describe the primary functions of marriage and how they contribute to the stability and well-being of families and communities.
  • The primary functions of marriage include the legitimization of sexual relations, the establishment of a stable environment for raising children, and the creation of economic and social ties between families. By conferring legal and social recognition to a union, marriage provides a framework for the orderly transmission of property, the sharing of resources, and the nurturing of offspring. This, in turn, contributes to the overall stability and well-being of families and communities, as it fosters intergenerational continuity, social cohesion, and the fulfillment of essential human needs.
• Analyze how changing social attitudes and legal frameworks have influenced the concept of marriage and its recognition in different societies around the world.
  • In recent decades, the traditional understanding of marriage has undergone significant transformations in many societies. The recognition of same-sex marriages, the increasing prevalence of cohabitation and non-traditional family structures, and the shifting gender roles and power dynamics within marriages have all challenged the once-dominant model of the heterosexual, monogamous nuclear family. These changes reflect evolving social attitudes, as well as legal and political efforts to promote greater inclusivity and equality in the institution of marriage. As a result, the concept of marriage has become more diverse and flexible, reflecting the pluralistic nature of modern societies and their evolving social and cultural values.

Related terms

Monogamy: A form of marriage where an individual is married to only one partner at a time.

Polygamy: A form of marriage where an individual is married to multiple partners simultaneously.

Kinship: The network of social relationships that tie individuals together through marriage, descent, and other forms of family connection.