Marriage as a Social Institution
Stephen L Nock
Summary:
In ‘Marriage as a Social
Institution’ by Stephen L. Nock essay, the author examines the national
marriage debate by reviewing the social and demographic trends that have
changed the role of marriage and the family. He views that marriage and
parenthood are private matters, relevant only to the individuals directly
involved. He points out the various programs that have strengthened marital
relationships, lowered divorce rates, reduced out-of-wedlock births, and
encouraged responsible fatherhood.
Marriage as a social institution
is a politically and socially contentious topic in the essay, and it is
examined carefully as a major social structure that impacts males. Writer
asserts that the position of spouse has a special significance in men’s life.
The institution of traditional marriage helps men develop their manhood as they
get older. In a marriage, a guy grows, maintains, and shows his masculine
identity.
Marriage is the union of two
people who are legally, morally, and socially linked by various personal and
societal connections. Husbands as the household’s leader, fidelity/monogamy,
and parenting are all characteristics of a normal marriage. Couples react to
each other, culture, society, and the rules and values that define them as a
unit since they are life partners. Married males, in particular, had greater physical
and mental health than married women.
In terms of fundamental aspects
of accomplishment, involvement in public social life, well-being, comfort,
luxury, and swagger, marriage transforms men. It’s a framework modeled after
other institutions like the family, education, economics, law, and politics,
among others.
Understanding the text
Answer the following
questions.
A.
According to the author, what is
marriage?
Answer: According to the author,
marriage is much more than the sum of spouses which is defined by loyal, moral
and conventional assumptions and have a variety of close personal relationships
and associations.
B.
How is marriage an institution?
Answer: Marriage is an
institution in the sense that it is a means of meeting social, economic,
physical and family requirements by two individuals, and it is linked to other
institutions such as education, the economy and politics.
C.
What are the rules that a marriage has?
Answer: Marriage has a complex
set of rules that help in the planning and maintenance of the rights of the
spouses to each other within a society.
D.
Why does marriage matter to men?
Answer: Marriage matters to men
because it provides structure to their lives and organizes their goals and
ambitions.
E.
What is one of the central problems in
modern society?
Answer: One of the central
problems in modern society is putting various legitimate boundaries around
modern individuals seemingly limiting the desires for wellbeing, comfort,
luxury and prestige.
F.
What does social capital consist of?
Answer: Social capital consists
of a vast network of people who are all connected by a bond of trustworthiness
and reliability.
G.
What is normative marriage? Explain.
Answer: Normative marriage is a
form of social control, a way by which behaviors and aspirations are channeled
appropriately. It is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents
the collective sentiments of others. Marriage in this view is qualitatively
different from other intimate relationships.
Reference to the context
A.
Discuss six dimensions that define
normative marriage in America.
Answer: The six dimensions that
define normative marriage in America are: marriages are entered voluntarily by
mature, heterosexual adults with the expectation that husbands will be the
principal earners, that both partners will be sexually faithful, and that
married partners will become parents. Although many marriages depart from these
ideals, the ideals still constitute the core of normative marriage as it is
expressed in law, religion, and custom. Normative marriage is a form of social
control, a way by which behaviors and aspirations are channeled appropriately.
It is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents the
collective sentiments of others. Marriage in this view is qualitatively
different from other intimate relationships. Much of the meaning of marriage in
men’s lives will be found in these rules. Together, these six premises provide
a definition of marriage that will inform the rest of this work.
B.
Do marriages differ according to culture?
How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?
Answer: Marriage practices vary
across cultures. Every culture has its own way of conducting marriage according
to their traditions and customs. Most cultures share common customs and
practices, while some cultures have unique practices. Even within our country,
the marriage practices of one geographical place differ from those of others.
However, the Hindu religion is practiced by the majority of Nepalese people.
Marriage practices in Nepal is
totally different than in America. Marriage practices are not so important in
the American culture, and couples are free to choose; to follow common or to
choose a combination of practices. The American culture is not strong on the
institution of marriage as it is for Nepal. The current American society does not
consider marriage institution; its importance comes after career and financial
matters. Nepal considers the marriage institution as very important and should
be treated with all respect by all in the society. The importance of the
marriage institution is evident from the marriage practices that have remained
consistent in the Nepalese culture. In Nepal, most of the marriage are arranged
by the parents but in America, couples choose their partner themselves.
Marriage not only connects the two individuals (boy and girl), but also unites
two different families. There is equal involvement of the parents of the couple
for the marriage ritual in Nepal. In this way, the marriage practices differ in
our culture than in America.
Reference beyond the text
A.
Write an essay on the marriage practice
in your own culture. Answer:
Marriage Practice in My Culture
Marriage is the social,
spiritual, cultural and legal union between a man and a woman as husband and
wife. Nepal has a wide variety of ethnicity and tribal population, giving
diversity to the rituals and practices involved in weddings. However, the
majority of marriages in Nepal are either according to Hindu tradition or
Buddhist traditions. I am from Hindu culture.
In my culture the groom and his
family along with neighbors, relatives and music band leave for bride’s house
on the wedding day. The group of people along with the groom and music band is
called ‘Janti’. The janti is leaded by the group of women carrying
B.
Is marriage a social institution?
Discuss.
Answer: Marriage is a social
institution. It defines a personal form of relationship between man and women
who make a long-lasting commitment to each other. Marriage is a unique social
institution that could be interpreted and defined in a variety of forms and
characterizations. trays with foods and gift (called ‘Saipata’) for the bride’s
family. There is traditional music band that play traditional musical
instruments called ‘Panche Baja’. Behind them are groom and the group of people
performing dance. The wedding ceremony is performed at bride’s house. On the
arrival of janti at bride’s house they are welcomed by the parents and
relatives of Bride. The saipata is handed to the bride’s family and Janti is
welcomed with the feast called ‘Janti Bhoj’ (marriage party). Groom is taken to
‘Jaggey’ or ‘Mandap’ (the place to perform the wedding ritual).
The most important person of the
wedding ceremony is ‘Pundit’ (priest). The Pundit performs the marriage
ceremony by chanting the ‘mantras’ through the holy book. The marriage ceremony
is interesting due to different rituals performed in front of the sacred fire.
There are numerous instructions for the couples while performing the ceremony
guided by the Pundit. The ritual is performed by revolving around the sacred
fire for seven time with the knot tied between the couples indicating the seven
lives of togetherness. The marriage ritual is completed when the groom puts
‘Sindur’ (red vermillion powder) on bride’s head and ‘Potey’ or ‘Tilari’ (a
holy Necklace) around the neck. Sindur and Potey have great significance for
married women in my culture. After this the bride’s father washes the feet of
the wedded couple and all the relatives and family members will bless them with
‘Tika’ (on forehead) and gifts. Finally the married couple along with the janti
departs from the bride’s house dancing and celebrating with Panche baja.
The wedded couples are welcomed
in the groom’s house by groom’s family. Lot of entertainment activities and
celebration is carried out at Groom’s house called “Ratyauli”. Ratyauli is
celebration at groom’s house which includes singing, dancing and starts a day
before the wedding. The marriage ritual is thus the most important as well as
entertaining ritual since whole family members and relatives are involved. The
wedded couple starts their new life by sharing their feeling, body, culture, and
love for eternity. In this way, the couple begins their newly wed life in my
culture.
In an emotional aspect, marriage
can be generalized as being in a romantic love relationship in which it is
legally monogamous. Although sharing an emotional bond with a significant other
is important, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration
when making a decision into getting married. A couple must understand the
depths of marriage in terms of survival. This emphasizes the realistic aspect
of marriage which involves money. Affording a house, a family, and the
necessary items to accommodate the institution can accumulate. With the right
education and career, middle- and upper-class couples’ divorce rates have
decreased, their marital happiness is consistent along with family structure.
Marriage is a socially approved
courtship between two individuals in which the relationship involves sexual and
economic benefits that is assumed to be permanent and includes mutual rights
and obligations. It is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are
socially permitted to live together without losing their status in the
community. Marriage is not merely concerned with the couple; rather it affects
the whole society and future generations. The responsibilities it entrusts a
couple with are thus both heavy and delicate.
In Hindu view, marriage is not a
concession to human weakness, but a means for spiritual growth. Man and woman
are soul mates who, through the institution of marriage, can direct the energy
associated with their individual instincts and passion into the progress of
their souls. So, I think that marriage is a social institution.