Marriage- Meaning, Definition, Characteristics and Forms
# Meaning of Marriage
Marriage is a socially and legally recognized union between two individuals, typically involving a commitment to share their lives, resources, and responsibilities.
Marriage is a complex institution that encompasses emotional, financial, and social aspects.
Marriage is an institution to satisfy physical, psychological, social, cultural, and economic needs of men and women.
Marriage has been defined as an institution for admitting individuals into family life, legitimating offspring, and establishing other rights and obligations of partners, spouses, and children.
# Definition of Marriage
1. According to Emile Durkheim:- "A union between two individuals that is socially recognized and sanctioned, and that establishes a new social entity, the family."
2. According to Talcott Parsons:- "A socially sanctioned and institutionalized relationship between two individuals that involves a commitment to mutual support, cooperation, and sharing of resources."
3. According to Bronisław Malinowski:- "Marriage is a contract between two parties, sanctioned by the community, for the purpose of establishing a socially sanctioned and stable mating relationship, with rights and obligations for both partners, and usually involving economic cooperation, sexual rights, and the production and upbringing of children."
4. According to George Peter Murdock:- "A social and economic arrangement between two individuals that establishes rights and obligations between them, and between them and their children.
# Characteristics of Marriage
1. Legal recognition:- Marriage is recognized and sanctioned by law, providing a legal framework for the relationship. This includes rights and responsibilities, such as inheritance, tax benefits, and decision-making authority.
2. Commitment:- Marriage involves a commitment between partners to share their lives, through joys and challenges. This commitment is a foundation for building trust, loyalty, and a deep emotional connection.
3. Exclusivity:- Marriage is typically exclusive, meaning partners agree to prioritize each other and refrain from intimate relationships with others. This exclusivity fosters a sense of security and trust.
4. Emotional intimacy:- Marriage involves emotional support, trust, and intimacy, creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication. Emotional intimacy deepens the connection and strengthens the bond.
5. Economic cooperation:- Marriage often involves shared financial resources and responsibilities, promoting teamwork and mutual support. Economic cooperation can reduce stress and increase financial stability.
6. Social recognition:- Marriage is recognized and respected by society, providing a sense of legitimacy and acceptance. Social recognition can strengthen the bond and provide a sense of belonging.
7. Cultural significance:- Marriage holds cultural or religious significance, often symbolizing unity, love, and commitment. Cultural significance can add depth and meaning to the relationship.
8. Sexual union:- Marriage often involves a sexual relationship, which can foster intimacy, pleasure, and connection. A healthy sexual relationship can strengthen the bond and promote emotional closeness.
9. Childrearing:- Marriage may involve having and raising children, which can bring joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Childrearing can also present challenges and require cooperation and teamwork.
10. Communication:- Marriage requires open and honest communication, fostering understanding, empathy, and intimacy. Effective communication can resolve conflicts and strengthen the bond.
11. Growth and evolution:- Marriage allows for personal growth and evolution together, fostering a deepening connection and understanding. Growth and evolution can help partners stay engaged and committed.
12. Stability and permanence:- Marriage is intended to be a long-term, stable relationship, providing a sense of security and continuity. Stability and permanence can foster trust, loyalty, and commitment.
13. Universal:- Marriage is found in all types of societies, from the most primitive ones to the most modern societies.
14. Ancient concept:- Marriage is an ancient concept that has been present in various forms across cultures and civilizations throughout human society.
# Types of Marriage OR Forms of Marriage
There are two main types of marriage:
1. Monogamy
Monogamy is a form of marriage where one person has only one spouse i.e. one husband and one wife at a time. Monogamy, a form of marriage, is practiced in almost all countries around the world and is widely considered the most accepted form of marriage.
(a) Serial Monogamy:- Serial monogamy refers to a pattern of having multiple monogamous relationships one after the other, rather than simultaneously. In other words, serial monogamy is a form of monogamy in which a man or woman can remarry another in the circumstances of divorce or death of partner but they cannot have more than one spouse at a time. For example: A person gets married, divorces, then gets married again to someone else, and possibly divorces again and gets married a third time, and so on.
(b) Non- serial Monogamy:- Non-serial monogamy refers to a type of monogamy where an individual has only one marriage or long-term monogamous relationship in their lifetime. Non-serial monogamy is a form of monogamy in which the question of remarriage does not arise for either of the couple in the circumstances of divorce or death of partner, where a person has the same single spouse throughout their life.
2. Polygamy
Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses or partners at the same time. Polygamy is a form of marriage where there are more than one spouse, i.e., either one person having multiple husbands (polyandry) or one person having multiple wives (polygyny) at the same time. Polygamy, a form of marriage, was the preferred form of marriage in ancient Indian society, but it is no longer practiced among the majority of the population.
(a) Polygyny:- Polygyny is a form of polygamy where one man has multiple wives at a time. This is practiced among some Muslims and some tribes.
(i) Sororal Polygyny:- Sororal polygyny is a form of polygyny where one man has multiple wives who are sisters to each other.
(ii) Non- sororal Polygyny:- Non-sororal polygyny is a form of polygyny where one man has multiple wives who are not related to each other.
(b) Polygamy
Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses or partners at the same time. Polygamy is a form of marriage where there are more than one spouse, i.e., either one person having multiple husbands (polyandry) or one person having multiple wives (polygyny) at the same time. Polygamy, a form of marriage, was the preferred form of marriage in ancient Indian society, but it is no longer practiced among the majority of the population.
(a) Polygyny:- Polygyny is a form of polygamy where one man has multiple wives at a time. This is practiced among some Muslims and some tribes.
(i) Sororal Polygyny:- Sororal polygyny is a form of polygyny where one man has multiple wives who are sisters to each other.
(ii) Non- sororal Polygyny:- Non-sororal polygyny is a form of polygyny where one man has multiple wives who are not related to each other.
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