WHAT IS MARRIAGE?
Horton and Hunt
“Marriage is the approved
social pattern whereby two or
more persons establish a
family.”
Malinowski
“Marriage is a contract for
the production and
maintenance of children.”
 Westermarck
 “Marriage as the more
or less durable
connection between
male and female lasting
beyond the mere act of
propagation till after the
birth of offspring.”
Robert Lowie describes
marriage as a relatively
permanent bond
between permissible
mates.
Characteristics of Marriage
Marriage is universal.
 Marriage is a permanent bond
between husband and wife.
Marriage requires social approval.
Marriage establishes family.
Marriage creates mutual
obligations.
 Marriage is always associated
with some civil and religious
ceremony.
Marriage regulates sex
relationship.
 Marriage has certain symbols.
 FUNCTIONS OF MARRIAGE

1. Marriage regulates 3. Marriage perpetuates

sexual behavior. kinship groups.

2. Marriage fulfills the 4. Marriage provides

economic needs of institution for the care and
marriage partners. enculturation of children.
Two Aspects of Marriage

1. Legal point of view-

states that marriage is a
contract.

2. Religious point of view-

states that marriage is a
sacrament.
Types of marriages

Polygyny is a form of marriage in which

one man married more than one
woman at a given time.
Types of Polygyny
Sororal polygyny
It is a type of marriage
in which the wives are
invariably the sisters.
Non-sororal polygyny
It is a type of marriage in
which the wives are not
related as the sisters.
Types of marriages

Polyandry
Polyandry is the marriage of one woman with
several men.
Types of Polygyny
Fraternal polyandry
When several brothers share the
same wife.

Non - fraternal polyandry

In this type the husbands need not have
any close relationship prior to the
marriage.
Types of marriages
Monogamy is a form of marriage in
which one man marries the woman.
Types of Polygyny
Serial monogamy
Individuals are permitted to marry
again often on the death of the
first spouse or after divorce but
they cannot have more than one
spouse at one and the same time.
Straight monogamy:
In straight monogamy the
remarriage of the individuals is not
allowed.
Types of marriages

Group marriage means the

marriage of two or more women with
two or more men.