Marriage as a Social Institution
The institution of marriage is a universal social institution, much like the institution of family. It is established to control and regulate the sexual life of human society and is closely related to the family institution. Marriage gives men and women access to family life and creates stable relationships. The sexual relations of a man and a woman united by marriage are accepted by society.
In Hindu society, marriage is considered a rite of passage. In the traditional marriage system, a man and a woman are given the status of husband and wife by performing many rituals. Women wear a mangalsutra after marriage, and the institution of marriage is considered a permanent bond between husband and wife.
Marriage as a Social Institution
Marriage is seen as an effective tool of social control. Lineage and population control are maintained through the institution of family and marriage, fulfilling the emotional and marital needs of the individual. Family and kinship institutions control the biological relationships and reproduction of individuals in society. Family, marriage, and kinship systems provide the basic support for human society and life.
Definition
Malinowsky defines marriage as a “contract for the procreation and upbringing of children.”
Horton and Hunt define it as a “socially recognized structure whereby two or more persons come together to form a family.”
Robert Lowie defines it as a “relatively permanent bond between permissible mates.”
Characteristics
Marriage is a universal social institution.
It is a universal social institution means that it exists in all cultures and societies throughout history.
marriage is a permanent bond between husband and wife.
The permanence of marriage refers to the expectation that the couple will stay together for life, through thick and thin.
The relationship is enduring.
Enduring relationship means that marriage creates a long-term connection between two people, and it requires work and commitment to maintain.
Marriage requires social approval.
Which means that society recognizes and approves the union of two individuals as a legitimate and beneficial relationship.
Types of Marriage
1) Monogamy-marriage between one man and one woman.
2) Polygamy marriages-marriage of more than one mate at a given time. It has two forms:
a. Polygyny – one husband and two or more wives.
b. Polyandry – one wife and two or more husbands.
3) Group Marriage:– marriage of several men to several women.
Same-sex marriage
4) Same-sex marriage
a. Gay marriage – marriage between two men.
b. Lesbian marriage – marriage between two women.
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