8: Marriage
- Page ID
- 314521
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 8.1: Learning Objectives
- This page examines the social construction of marriage, emphasizing how societal forces influence partner selection and demographic trends. It addresses historical restrictions on interracial and same-sex marriages, introduces the concept of marriage benefit imbalance, and discusses the relationship between marriage, health, and well-being. The page also explores weddings as important social rituals, offering a thorough overview of marriage's societal significance and implications.
- 8.2: Introduction
- This page explores the evolution of marriage as a socially constructed institution, transitioning from economic arrangements to individual choice and love. It analyzes partner selection factors, global marriage practices, and contemporary U.S. trends like marriage equality. The conclusion addresses weddings as social rituals that reflect identity, status, and cultural expectations.
- 8.3: Marriage as a Social Construction
- This page explores marriage as a social construct in the U.S., detailing its historical evolution from economic and political arrangements to a focus on love and companionship. It highlights the impact of changing gender roles and individualism, the effects of social media on perceptions of marriage, and the exclusion of diverse relationship types from mainstream ideals.
- 8.4: Marriage as a Social Institution
- This page explores marriage as a crucial social institution shaped by cultural, legal, and economic factors. It examines marriage's emotional, legal, and economic roles, along with the impact of social inequality on access to marriage.
- 8.5: Family Households and Modern Marriage Patterns
- This page analyzes the evolution of U.S. household and marriage patterns, noting a decline in married-couple households (47.1%) and a rise in one-person and non-family households. Individuals are marrying later (28.6 for women, 30.2 for men), with increased cohabitation serving as both a precursor to and an alternative for marriage. These trends illustrate changing social norms and the evolving nature of intimate relationships in contemporary society.
- 8.6: Global Variations in Marriage
- This page explores arranged marriages, highlighting their cultural significance where families select partners, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It discusses the notable satisfaction in these arrangements and introduces semi-arranged marriages, which combine family input and personal choice. In contrast, love marriages prioritize individual autonomy and emotional ties. Furthermore, Andrew Cherlin's research indicates the unique relationship dynamics in the U.S.
- 8.7: The Regulation of Marriage- Interracial and Same-Sex Marriage
- This page explores the historical development of interracial and same-sex marriage in the U.S., focusing on how laws shaped social structures and racial disparities. It outlines the impact of anti-miscegenation laws, which perpetuated racial inequality until overturned by Loving v. Virginia in 1967, and traces the legalization of same-sex marriage through Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.
- 8.8: The Marriage Benefit Imbalance
- This page explores the nuanced effects of marriage on individuals, emphasizing gender disparities in benefits. While marriage positively impacts mental health and well-being, women frequently face greater household burdens, resulting in decreased satisfaction. Sociologist Jessie Bernard notes that men tend to gain more from marriage than women.
- 8.9: Marriage and Well-Being
- This page highlights the numerous benefits of marriage, such as improved health, economic stability, and better outcomes for children, according to Waite and Gallagher. Research shows that married individuals generally experience greater well-being and access to health insurance. It also examines how gender dynamics affect health behaviors in both same-sex and different-sex couples, along with the notable wealth accumulation and net worth differences between married and unmarried individuals.
- 8.10: The Sociology of Weddings
- This page explores weddings as sociological rituals that embody cultural values and social dynamics, revealing class distinctions and economic influences amidst consumer culture. Despite their evolving nature, contemporary weddings often reinforce traditional gender roles through practices like name changes and the "giving away" of the bride. These customs reflect historical gender dynamics while serving as public expressions of societal norms surrounding love, family, status, and belonging.
- 8.11: Conclusion
- This page discusses the enduring value of marriage in American society, despite declining rates and later age formations, influenced by personal choices and social forces. It highlights the emotional, health, and financial benefits of marriage, noting their uneven distribution due to gendered expectations and inequalities. The rituals of weddings are acknowledged for celebrating love and reinforcing cultural norms.
Acknowledgments
I am very grateful to Chabot College student Rhylee Jay Inducta for reviewing this chapter draft and providing thoughtful feedback from a student perspective.
Thumbnail Attribution
Chapter header image: Mariano Rivas, photo of gold ring on white textile, via Unsplash. Used under the Unsplash License.