Getting Married (collection)

Getting married, also referred to as marriage or matrimony, is a legally and/or socially sanctioned union, typically between two people, that establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and sometimes between them and their in-laws. It is a near-universal cultural practice, although its specific forms, meanings, and functions vary considerably across cultures and throughout history.

Marriage typically involves emotional and sexual intimacy, economic cooperation, and social recognition. The ceremony and associated rituals marking the commencement of a marriage vary greatly, often reflecting religious, cultural, and legal traditions.

Legal Aspects:

Marriage is generally regulated by law, which defines the legal requirements for entering into marriage, the rights and obligations of married individuals, and the grounds for divorce or annulment. Legal aspects often include property rights, inheritance rights, and parental rights. Legal marriage also often confers certain benefits, such as tax advantages, healthcare coverage, and social security benefits. The definition of legal marriage has evolved over time, particularly regarding same-sex marriage, which has been legalized in many countries.

Social and Cultural Significance:

Beyond its legal aspects, marriage holds significant social and cultural weight. It can represent a public commitment to a lifelong partnership, an affirmation of love and devotion, and a means of creating and maintaining social bonds within families and communities. The expectations surrounding marriage, including gender roles, division of labor, and social status, vary considerably across cultures. Marriage can be a marker of adulthood, a pathway to social acceptance, and a means of ensuring the continuation of family lines.

Religious Aspects:

Marriage is often a central institution in religious traditions, with many religions prescribing specific rituals, vows, and doctrines related to marriage. Religious ceremonies often sanctify the union and provide spiritual guidance to the married couple. Religious perspectives on marriage may vary regarding issues such as divorce, polygamy, and same-sex marriage.

Types of Marriage:

While typically understood as a union between two individuals (monogamy), other forms of marriage exist, including:

• Polygamy: Marriage involving more than two partners. This can be further divided into polygyny (one man with multiple wives) and polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands). Polygamy is legal and/or culturally accepted in some parts of the world.

• Same-sex marriage: Marriage between two individuals of the same sex. Legal recognition of same-sex marriage has increased significantly in recent decades.

• Arranged marriage: Marriage where the partners are selected by their families, often based on social, economic, or cultural factors. While often viewed negatively in Western cultures, arranged marriages are common in some parts of the world and can sometimes be based on mutual consent.

Challenges and Changes:

The institution of marriage is constantly evolving, facing challenges from changing social norms, economic pressures, and individual preferences. Divorce rates, delayed marriage, cohabitation, and changing views on gender roles are all impacting the landscape of marriage. The meaning and purpose of marriage continue to be debated and redefined in many societies.