Question

With the help of four arguments, comment on the relevance of Marriage as a social institution in present times.

Answer 1

Relevance of Marriage:

1. Social Sanction: Marriage regularises and socially sanctions the satisfaction of sex relations. This is not entirely true and relevant in modern times. Though marriage continues to be viewed as a sacred institution, it is certainly not the only medium for satisfaction of physical needs, as law permits a consensual relationship between adults.
2. Reinforces Taboo: It also instils an awareness of incest as taboo specifying who can be marital partners. This claim is correct and relevant, as the choice of a marital partner in many societies is defined by what is permitted and not considered ‘incest’.
3. Continuity of Human beings: Marriage helps in the survival and continuity of the human race. As a social institution, the procreative aspect of marriage has kept it relevant. It multiplies the human race and prevents the human society from becoming extinct.
4. Economic organisation: It helps in the economic organisation and division of labour between marital members. This feature of marriage has been radicalised, as the conventional setup relegated women to the domestic sphere while men occupied the public sphere. What we witness is a redivision of labour with women participating equally in the outdoor economic activities.
5. Property Inheritance: It justifies property inheritance. Historically, women had limited or no rights in their father’s or husband’s property. They were not considered rightful heirs. This feature of marriage restricted women from claiming rights over property and has been challenged in the present times with women sharing claims in property.
6. Establishes family: In many social setups, marriage continues to be a legitimate institution required for enjoying parenthood. It leads to the formation of family.