Marriage: Characteristics and Types of Marriage
Meaning and Types:
Like family, marriage is another important social institution. Marriage and family are two aspects of the same social reality i.e. the bio-psychic and social instincts of man. Marriage is one of the most ancient, important, universal and indispensable social institution which has been in existence since the inception of human civilization.
As an institution marriage is designed to satisfy the biological needs especially the sexual needs of the individual in a legal, customary, culturally defined and socially approved man Unilateral descent rule Cognative non-unlineal
It also admits men and women to family life and fixes certain rights and duties in respect of children born of their union. As a stable social institution it binds two opposite sexes and allows them to live as husband and wife. It also confers on them social legitimation to have sexual relations and have children.
The institutionalized form of sex relations is called marriage. It is closely associated with the institution of family and women to family.
But the term marriage or vivaha is a combination of two terms i.e. ‘Vi’ and ‘Vaha’ which means the ceremony of carrying away the bride to the house of bridegroom. In some society it is considered as a religious sacrament whereas in other society it is a social contract.
Definition of Marriage:
Different scholars and sociologist have tried to define it. They differ from each other.
(1) According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “Marriage is a physical, legal and moral union between man and woman in complete community life for the establishment of a family.”
(2) According to Malinowski, “Marriage is a contract for the production and maintenance of children.”
(3) Edward Westermark in his famous book ‘History of human marriage’ defined, “Marriage is a relation of one or more men to one or more women which is recognized by customs or law and involves certain rights and duties both in case of parties entering into the union and in the case of children born of it.”
(4) According to H.M. Johnson, “Marriage is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted without loss of standing in community to have children.”
(5) According to Lowie, “Marriage is a relatively permanent bond between permissible mates.”
(6) According to Horton and Hunt, “Marriage is the approved social pattern whereby two or more persons establish a family.”
(7) According to Hoebel, “The complexes of social norms that define and Control the relations of a mated pair to each other their kinsmen, their offspring and their society at large.”
Thus from the above analysis it is concluded that marriage is both a biological, psychological, cultural and social affair. Marriage is a special type of relationship between permissible mates involving certain rights and obligations. That is why Lundberg is right when he opines that “Marriage consists of the rules and regulations which define the rights, duties and privileges of husband and wife with respect to each other.”
We will continue from Characteristics next week do have a great week and also leave your comment below. on any question.
