Page 84 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Sociology of Kinship

Notes 4. Sexual relations are recognized on the basis of the institution of marriage. In other words
this institution provides right and permission to husband and wife to make sexual relations
with one-another.
5. Westermark has considered marriage an economic institution also besides a social institu-
tion. This is because the property right of husband and wife is also defined on the basis of
marriage.
6. One characteristic of institution of marriage is that it fulfills the need of child birth and
regulation of society besides fulfilling the desire of sexual relation. This institution fulfills
biotic, psychological, moral and religious need for personality development.
7. Marriage institution contributes in the determination of the social status of a person. This
characteristic of marriage is important in view of that the children born on the basis of
marriage relation are only recognized and acknowledged legitimate. Children born due to
illicit relations have a very bad position in the society in comparison to children born due to
legitimate relations and their status is low.
8. Systems regarding marriage are different in different societies. The marriage systems of a
society depend upon the custom, belief and culture of a society and they are different in
different societies.
9. Marriage is a permanent relation. A permanent relation is established between husband
and wife on the basis of marriage. In view of the fulfillment of sexual desire, child birth,
proper nourishment and nurturing of children and their socialization and personality de-
velopment, marriage relation must be permanent. Without establishment of permanent re-
lation, the strength of family life may be in danger.

Self Assessment
Fill in the blanks:
1. For marriage two _________________ i.e., male and female are essential.
2. On the basis of marriage _________________ is established between husband and wife.
3. Marriage relation contributes for the _________________ of social status of a person.

12.3 Aims of Marriage

When we think about the aim of marriage we get that marriage provides social and legal
acknowledgement to two persons of opposite sex for establishing sexual relation. It is Marriage
which makes the foundation of a family and in a family socialization and nurturing of children
takes place. The continuity of society is possible due to marriage and family. This is a basis of
other relations also. Many other relations evolve due to marriage. Marriage is also essential
for the maintenance and conservation of economic interests. The institution of marriage
provides physical, social and mental security to a person. Mardock, after studying 250 societies
found three aims of marriage in the societies. 1. Sexual satisfaction, 2. Economic cooperation
3. Socialisation and nurturing of children. In brief, we can present the aim of marriage as
following:-
1. To fulfill sexual desire and to regulate the sexual activities in the society.
2. To construct a family and expand relationship.
3. To give birth a legitimate child and to maintain the continuity of the society.
4. To nurture and socialize children.
5. To produce economic cooperation between male and female.
6. To provide mental satisfaction.

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