Marriage—Features

Features or Characteristics of Marriage

Marriage is one of the universal social institutions which admit men and women to family life. It is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted to have children, implying the right to sexual relations. Marriage is closely connected with the institution of family. In fact, family and marriage are complementary to each other. The features or characteristics of marriage can be classified as follows:

1. Universality

Marriage is more or less a universal institution. It is found among the pre-literate as well as literate people. It is enforced as social rules in some of the societies. For example, in Japan, celibacy is publicly condemned. In Korea, unmarried individuals are called ‘half’ persons. Among the Hindus marriage is a sacrament which is regarded as more or less obligatory. The Todas of Nilagiri refuse to perform funeral rites for a girl if she dies before her marriage. But they do perform it after completing some sort of marriage ceremony for the corpse. According to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, an individual who remains unmarried throughout his life commits a great crime. As Levi-Strauss has observed that the unmarried primitives of Central Brazil are made to lead a miserable life. 

2. Relationship Between Man and Woman

Marriage is fundamentally a union between a man and a woman, establishing a recognized relationship that is both legal and social. This relationship is not just biological or emotional, but also socially institutionalized. The question of who should marry whom and how many individuals should be involved in the marriage reflects the social rules and norms that vary from culture to culture. In some societies, monogamy is the norm, where one man marries one woman. In others, polygamy (either polygyny or polyandry) is practiced, where a man marries multiple women or a woman marries multiple men. This difference often stems from the community's social, economic, or religious context. In some cultures, there is an emphasis on arranged marriages, while others may emphasize individual choice, illustrating how marriage rules are shaped by the broader cultural landscape.

3. Marriage Bond is Enduring

One of the most distinguishing features of marriage is its enduring nature. Unlike casual or temporary relationships, marriage is considered a long-term bond that is not contingent solely on sexual satisfaction or attraction. The enduring aspect of marriage is not merely legal but also emotional, cultural and spiritual. For example, in many cultures, marriage is seen as a lifelong commitment where the bond between husband and wife remains even after the sexual aspect of their relationship has subsided. The belief in a permanent marriage bond is so deeply ingrained in many societies that it transcends even death. For instance, in Hindu culture, marriage is considered a sacred bond that cannot be severed by death. The concept of till death do us part is central in many religious and cultural teachings, reinforcing the idea that marriage is a lasting commitment that extends beyond mere physical connection.

4. Marriage Requires Social Approval

A significant characteristic of marriage is that it requires societal acknowledgment to be considered legitimate. This social approval turns a personal union into a social contract, which is why marriages are often formalized through ceremonies, rituals and public acknowledgment. Without this recognition, a union may not be considered a marriage in the social sense, regardless of the emotional bond between the individuals involved. This social approval can take different forms: legal recognition through marriage certificates, religious blessings, or community acceptance. In societies that have strict laws around marriage, such as those with legal restrictions on age or the number of spouses, the social approval is legally codified. In societies where traditional customs and rituals play a dominant role, social approval is granted through culturally significant ceremonies, like the Hindu saptapadi or the Christian wedding vows.

5. Marriage is Associated with Some Civil or Religious Ceremony

Marriage is not just a personal agreement but often involves civil or religious ceremonies that formalize the union. These ceremonies, with their own specific rituals, customs and rites, are integral to the societal recognition of the marriage. They serve as a public declaration of the commitment made by the individuals involved. In most cultures, these ceremonies are highly structured and can include a variety of traditional practices. For instance, in Hindu weddings, rituals like Homa, Saptapadi, Panigrahana and Mangalya-Dharana symbolize the sacredness of the union and the mutual vows exchanged between the bride and groom. In Western traditions, ceremonies often involve vows, exchange of rings and legal documentation that signify the commitment between two people. These ceremonies not only create a sense of formality but also establish the marriage as a social institution with widespread implications, not just for the couple but for the families and the community.

6. Marriage Creates Mutual Obligations

Marriage is not just about love and companionship but also about the rights and duties that the couple owes to each other. These mutual obligations are at the heart of the marital bond. Both partners are expected to support one another, emotionally, socially and economically and share responsibilities such as raising children, maintaining the household and participating in social and family activities. The legal aspect of marriage often formalizes these obligations, ensuring that both partners are held accountable for their roles. For example, in many legal systems, both the husband and wife are entitled to inherit from each other, make decisions for each other in case of illness or incapacity and provide financial support. These obligations are not limited to the couple but extend to their families and the larger community, reinforcing the idea of marriage as a social institution.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, we have learned that marriage is not merely a personal choice but a deeply ingrained social institution that involves emotional, legal, cultural and spiritual dimensions. It is a universal practice, though its form and functions may differ across cultures. Marriage is a lifelong commitment that transcends sexual or emotional satisfaction, requiring societal approval and being celebrated through ceremonies. It also brings with it mutual obligations that bind the partners together, not just in their personal relationship, but in their roles within the larger society. As such, marriage plays an important role in shaping family structures, societal norms and the very foundation of social life.

References

Rao, S. C. N. (2019). Sociology: Principles of sociology with an introduction to social thought (pp. 357-358). S. Chand Limited.