How marriage has changed over the years

Introduction

Marriage is found in virtually all societies, and the majority (some 90%) of people in every society gets married at least once in their lifetime (Carroll & Wolpe, 1996; Ember, Ember, & Peregrine, 2006). Cultures vary with regard to what is considered appropriate premarital behavior, whom one marries, how one marries, a perfect marriage ceremony, and length and purpose of marriage. Each culture also defines marriage differently although there are some common criteria across many societies. Marriage is typically defined simply as a “socially approved sexual and economic union, usually between a woman and a man” (Ember et al, 2006, p. 343), which is denoted symbolically in some way (for example, ceremony, certificate, symbols-rings). Normally, there are reciprocal rights and obligations between the two spouses and their following children. Viewing marriage as a social process where new relationships are set up between the kin of both the husband and the wife essentially describes all forms of marriage. With this, marriage maintains social patterns through the production of offspring.

Thesis statement

It has been seen that the marriages have changed over the years. There has been many significant changes, issues and change of perceptions, seen in the marriages, and the changes has been good.

Discussion

Traditionally, marriage was defined as a union between a man and a woman with children born to the woman being recognized as legitimate offspring to both parents (Royal Anthropological Institute, 1951). Marriage was thought to change the status of a man and a woman, stipulate the degree of sexual access for the married partners, establish the legitimacy of the children born to the wife, and create relationships between the kin of both the wife and husband. Anthropologists have since noted the exceptions to this traditional definition and have expanded it to reflect broader practices. As such, Miller (2008) offers a working definition of marriage given the complexity of practices that fall under the umbrella of marriage. “A more or less stable union, usually between two people, who may be, but are not necessarily, co-residential, sexually involved with each other, and procreative with each other” (p. 140).

Definition

Marriage is a legal, economic, domestic, and/or mating relationship. Marriage is defined and practiced in various ways in different parts of the world. Culture, religion, values, economics, and changes through history have affected the way marriage is understood. As marriage has become a political entity, there are diverse beliefs about the utility of marriage. The dissolution and effects of ending the marriage contract have an impact for the many people involved. Frequently, marriage is understood to be a prerequisite for having and raising children, thereby symbolizing the beginning of the developing mother or father roles.

Historical Views of Marriage

Research on marriage suggests that, in ancient Roman and Greek cultures, marriage was not just a close relationship, but grounded in an economic arrangement between two families. Thus, marriages were often arranged by the parents of the couple in order to secure some level of economic advantage. Women in marriages had fewer rights ...