Sociologists define marriage as a socially supported union involving two or more individuals in what is regarded as a stable, enduring arrangement typically based at least in part on a sexual bond of some kind.
Key Takeaways: Marriage
- Marriage is considered by sociologists to be a cultural universal; that is, it exists in some form in all societies.
- Marriage serves important social functions, and social norms often determine the role each spouse takes in a marriage.
- Because marriage is a social construct, cultural norms and expectations determine what a marriage is and who can marry.
Overview
Depending on the society, marriage may require religious and/or civil sanction, although some couples may come to be considered married simply by living together for a period of time (common law marriage). Though marriage ceremonies, rules, and roles may differ from one society to another, marriage is considered a cultural universal, which means that it is present as a social institution in all cultures.
Marriage serves several functions. In most societies, it serves to socially identify children by defining kinship ties to a mother, father, and extended relatives. It also serves to regulate sexual behavior, to transfer, preserve, or consolidate property, prestige, and power, and most importantly, it is the basis for the institution of the family.
