Marriage
Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, typically between a man and a woman, that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, as well as between them and their offspring, if any. It is recognized by most societies as a means to form families, regulate sexual behavior, transfer wealth, and provide social stability.
Historical Context
- Ancient Marriage practices varied significantly across cultures. In ancient Mesopotamia, marriage was often arranged by families, and included a dowry system where the bride's family provided goods or money to the groom's family.
- By contrast, in ancient Rome, marriages were often based on more romantic ideals, though political alliances were also common. Roman law formalized marriage as a legally binding contract.
- In many traditional Asian cultures, arranged marriages were prevalent, with significant involvement from families and community leaders in the selection of partners.
Legal and Religious Aspects
- Legally, marriage confers rights and duties on the partners, such as inheritance, tax benefits, and rights in child custody. In many jurisdictions, marriage is regulated by both civil and religious authorities.
- Religiously, marriage can be a sacred covenant, often seen as a sacrament in Christianity, or as a mitzvah in Judaism. In Islam, marriage is considered a contract ('nikah') between two consenting adults.
Types of Marriage
- Monogamy: One person is married to only one other person at a time.
- Polygamy: Marriage involving more than two partners, which can be further subdivided into:
- Polygyny: A man has multiple wives.
- Polyandry: A woman has multiple husbands.
- Common-law marriage: Recognized in some places where a couple lives together as spouses without formally registering their relationship.
- Same-sex marriage: Marriage between two people of the same sex, which has been legally recognized in an increasing number of countries since the late 20th century.
Modern Changes in Marriage
Over the past century, there have been significant shifts in the institution of marriage:
- Increasing rates of Divorce have led to changes in how marriage is viewed legally and socially.
- The rise of Cohabitation as an alternative to marriage has influenced perceptions and legal frameworks around partnerships.
- There's been a notable increase in Interracial marriage and Interfaith marriage, reflecting broader social acceptance of diverse relationships.
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