Marriage as a Social Institution

"Marriage as a Social Institution."

Understanding Marriage:
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.

Let's see how 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.

Let's look at how some scholars define marriage Institution:

Malinowsky defines marriage as a “contract for the procreation and upbringing of children.”

Another scholar, Horton and Hunt describe it as a “socially recognized structure whereby two or more persons come together to form a family.”
Robert Lowie sees toward marriage , it as a “relatively permanent bond between permissible mates.”

Now we are Moving on to Characteristics of Marriage Institution:

1st characteristic of marriage is, Universal Social Institution:
Marriage is a universal social institution, meaning it exists in all cultures and societies throughout history.

2nd characteristic of marriage is, Permanent Bond:
Marriage is a permanent bond between husband and wife, with the expectation that the couple will stay together for life, through thick and thin.

3rd characteristic of marriage is, Enduring Relationship:
Marriage creates a long-term connection between two people, requiring work and commitment to maintain.

4th characteristic of marriage is, Social Approval:
Society recognizes and approves the union of two individuals as a legitimate and beneficial relationship.

Now, Let's explore the different types of marriage:

1st type of Marriage is, Monogamy:
Marriage between one man and one woman.

2nd type of Marriage is, Polygamy:
Marriage of more than one mate at a given time. It has two forms:

one is, Polygyny: One husband and two or more wives.
2nd is Polyandry: One wife and two or more husbands.
3rd type of Marriage is, Group Marriage:
Marriage of several men to several women.

4th type of Marriage is, Same-sex Marriage:

one is, Gay Marriage: Marriage between two men.
Another one is ,Lesbian Marriage: Marriage between two women.