Marriage

Marriage
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Institution:
Marriage
The Oxford Dictionary defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman that is officially sanctioned by the laws that govern the jurisdiction in which it takes place (2012). The dictionary also defines marriage as the union between partners of the same sex in territories where such a union is allowed by law (Oxford Dictionary, 2012). Marriage is in essence a contractual agreement, made between two persons that binds them together by law indefinitely or until one or both parties decides to terminate the arrangement (Hall, 2006). Marriage also constitutes a social institution. It is upheld by social norms, values and beliefs that define accepted standards of behavior for married couples. According to Johnston and Hausman, marriage is not restricted to the married couple but also extends to the families and friends of both parties, who are linked together by the marriage (2006). This paper examines the different dimensions of marriage and explores the future of the institution in contemporary society.
Determinants of Marriage
Decisions made by individuals in choosing marriage partners are influenced by demographic, psychological, cultural, and social factors (Dribe and Lundh, 2010). Demographic factors that influence marriage include socioeconomic status and age (Dribe and Lundh, 2010). The decision made by an individual in choosing their marriage partner may be influenced by the desired characteristics of the prospective partner in terms of these factors. According to Martin Dribe and Christer Lundh, The socioeconomic status of a heterosexual male may also determine his marital status (2010). Men who are unemployed and homeless are less likely to be married than employed men in well paid jobs. Similarly, age is a great determinant of marital status in the
United States (Dribe and Lundh, 2010). Legally, marriage is expected to occur between two adults in accordance to the law.
Culture pertains to the norms, values, beliefs and tendencies that are accepted among various societies. With regard to marriage, culture exerts influence through tradition and customs. For example, arranged marriages are integral to the traditions of many societies in Asia and are a product of culture (Marks, 2005). These norms are exported to the United States by immigrants coming from countries in this region. According to Loren Marks, Religion forms a key component of culture and also has a direct influence on marriage (2005). Different religions have different values, beliefs and conventions that guide behavior among their members. Most religions frown upon intermarriages with people of other religions therefore limiting the choice of partners that an individual has (Marks, 2010). Similarly, most of the major religious groups in the world do not condone same sex marriages despite its increasing acceptance and legalization in western society. Religion also places emphasis on the importance of marriage and is a key supporter of the institution. Most religious groups discourage divorce and emphasize the binding nature of the union.
Types of Marriage
A conventional marriage in western society is characterized by a person deciding to enter a relationship with another person out of mutual love and affection which may result in marriage after some time. This sort of marriage is influenced by personal decisions which are made by both parties (Hall, 2006). However, a person may be influenced by external forces such as family and the norms that characterize their culture. Endogamy, which is characterized by marrying in side one’s own race, social class, or ethnic group may result from familial and social pressures. Arranged marriages usually take place in the context of endogamy. Arranged marriages involve
selection of marital partners on behalf of the individuals to be married. Endogamy is common among Asian communities such as Hindus and orthodox Jews and is an integral part of their culture (Marks, 2005).
While western standards of behavior require people to marry out of love, some people choose to marry for practical reasons. A marriage of convenience exists when the partners undergo the formal processes of marriage as part of a beneficial arrangement that may be mutually advantageous or one-sided. A marriage of convenience may be made for political reasons. An aspiring political candidate may understand that voters are more likely to attribute credibility to married candidates as opposed to single or divorced ones, causing the candidate to get into an arrangement with a model spouse in order to raise the chances of winning the election.
Dribe and Lundh observe that a person is more likely to choose a more economically stable individual for marriage (2010). This shows the impact of socioeconomic status on marriage choices. Marriages can be orchestrated in order to benefit one or both parties financially. For example, individuals may get married in order to benefit from their partners wealth. Additionally, some high paying jobs give preference to married individuals which may result in marriages made under pretense by eligible candidates who are unmarried or divorced.
Interracial marriages involve the union of persons of different races. Marriages between individuals belonging to different religious groups, ethnic groups and countries may also fall in this category. This form of marriage stands in stark contrast to endogamy and some people in exogamous marriages face criticism from their religious groups, families and society if they originate from conservative backgrounds (Marks, 2005).
Domestic partnerships do not constitute marriage but they involve cohabitation of two individuals in a sexual relationship. The individuals may or may not have children in this arrangement and may live in the same way as a conventional married couple. According to Cherlin (2004), cohabitation is becoming gradually accepted as ...