Marriage:

1
Marriage

• Reasons for, Laws Regarding and Symbolic Customs
  of

2
History of Marriage (Abridged)

• The history of marriage can be traced to the
  beginning of civilization in different areas of
  the world
• Most marriages in ancient times were done for
  economic prosperity of the families
• Arranged marriages and marriages by proxy were
  allowed
• Not until the 1500s did the idea of romantic love
  factor in for a few.
• Even in the 20th century many marriages in the
  United States were marriages of convenience

3
Reasons for Marriage

• When 100,000 British couples were asked in 2003
  why they were married these were the most common
  answers.
• Because of love
• Making a Commitment
• Part of the Culture
• To start a family
• Other reasons people marry are less idealistic
  but still important reasons, such as Economic
  Stability

4
Marriage Regulations

• There are many ways to be married. Most
  marriages in the US involve Four parties The Two
  people being married, their religious institution
  and the state.
• The religious institution is involved because of
  tradition and the strong emphasis religions place
  on marriage
• The State is involved because of property,
  health, and child bearing/rearing issues

5
Marriage Regulations Religious

• Religions were the first institutions to place
  limits on marriage.
• Most Christian regulations stem from Cannon Law
  developed by the Catholic church and by Eastern
  Orthodox Religious rites
• Overall religious regulations monitor the
  following
• Definition of Marriage
• Reproductive Obligations
• Moral Guidelines
• Guidelines for a healthy relationship (more
  recently)

6
Marriage Regulations Legal

• The government has had an increasing amount of
  influence over marriage in the last 500 years.
• All US States require a marriage license
• Some states allow a Common Law Marriage where
  if two people cohabitate for an extended period
  of time they are considered to be married
• Reasons for governmental influence include
• Property Combinations
• Tax Collection
• Protection of Children
• Public Health

7
Symbolic Customs

• Sociologist investigate symbolic interactions
  between people. Marriage is one of the most
  common areas of investigation due to the plethora
  of customs involved.

8
Review Questions

• What is a proxy marriage?
• What are the four parties involved in a marriage
  and what are their roles?
• What are three common reasons to get married?
• What are two legal regulations on marriage?
• Why is there so much symbolism in marriage?