Explain how marriage can vary cross-culturally.
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2022
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Marriage in Cross-Cultural Perspective
I. Forms of MarriageA. Monogamy: Marriage between one man and one woman
B. Serial Monogamy: Multiple marriages over time, but only one spouse at a time
C. Polygamy: Marriage to multiple spouses simultaneously
1. Polygyny: Man with multiple wives 2. Polyandry: Woman with multiple husbands 3. Group Marriage: Multiple husbands and wives II. Legal and Societal RecognitionA. Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
B. Arranged Marriages vs. Love Marriages
C. Cultural Norms and Expectations
III. Importance of MarriageA. Declining Value of Marriage in Western Cultures
B. Importance in Traditional and Religious Societies
C. Global Variations in Marriage Rates
IV. ConclusionSummarize the cross-cultural variations in marriage, emphasizing the factors that shape these differences
Marriage Variations Across Cultures
Marriage, a social institution uniting individuals in a relationship recognized by customs, laws, and beliefs, exhibits significant variations across cultures. These variations highlight the diverse ways societies structure intimate relationships and family units.
Forms of Marriage
Monogamy, the union of one man and one woman, remains the prevalent form of marriage globally. However, cultural variations exist. In Islam, for instance, polygyny, allowing a man to have up to four wives, is permitted under specific religious and legal frameworks.
Polyandry, where a woman has multiple husbands, is less common but practiced in certain regions. For instance, fraternal polyandry in Tibet, where brothers share a wife, serves economic and social purposes. Conversely, Western cultures generally consider polyandry unacceptable.
Group marriage involving multiple husbands and wives exists in some societies, while serial monogamy, having consecutive spouses but only one at a time, is prevalent in Western cultures.
Same-Sex Marriage
The legalization of same-sex marriage represents a significant shift in societal norms. While countries like the UK have embraced marriage equality, it remains criminalized in others, illustrating the ongoing evolution of marriage as a social institution.
Arranged vs. Love Marriages
Cultural variations extend to partner selection. Arranged marriages, where families play a significant role in matchmaking, remain common in parts of South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In contrast, love marriages, emphasizing individual choice and romantic love, are prevalent in Westernized societies.
Importance and Trends
The importance attributed to marriage fluctuates globally. In traditional and religious communities, marriage often holds paramount importance, signifying adulthood, procreation, and social stability. Conversely, in many Western cultures, cohabitation is increasingly replacing marriage, reflecting changing societal values and individual choices.
Conclusion
Marriage, as a social construct, exhibits remarkable diversity across cultures. From variations in marital forms and partner selection to evolving attitudes towards same-sex marriage and the significance of the institution itself, these cross-cultural differences underscore the dynamic nature of marriage and its adaptation to diverse societal norms, beliefs, and values.
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Marriage Variations Across Cultures
Marriage varies cross-culturally in numerous ways. Some of the variations include:
Monogamy
In many societies, a marriage between one man and one woman is the only form of marriage, while in others, such as in Islam, a man is allowed to have up to four wives.
Serial Monogamy
This is when someone has more than one marriage partner during their life but only one at any given time, which is a common practice in Western cultures.
Polygamy
Being married to more than one person at the same time is acceptable in some cultures like Islam but illegal in others like the UK.
Polygyny
This is when a man has several wives, which is legal in many parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Polyandry
When a woman has more than one husband at the same time, such as in fraternal polyandry practiced in Tibet, but considered deviant in Western cultures.
Group Marriage
In some cultures, marriages involve multiple husbands and wives, which is approved of in some societies but disapproved of in others.
Same-Sex Marriage
Legislation has changed in some countries to allow same-sex couples to legally marry, such as in the UK, while it remains illegal in other countries.
Arranged Marriages
Common in some cultures, where relatives are involved in the matchmaking process, while love marriages dominate in others.
Importance of Marriage
Global trends show that marriage is more important and common in some cultures than others. For example, in many Western cultures, cohabitation is replacing marriage, whereas in traditional and religious cultures, marriage remains highly valued.