Marriage as Social Institution Class 12 Summary Compulsory English

Marriage as Social Institution

- Stephen L. Nock

Summary:

The essay ‘Marriage as a Social Institution’ written by the writer Stephen L. Nock examines the national marriage debate by reviewing the social and demographic trends that have changed the role of marriage and the family. The writer says that marriage and parenthood are personal matters directly connected to an individual. In the essay, he also presents the programs that have strengthened marital relationships, lowered divorce rates, reduced out-of-wedlock births and encouraged responsible fatherhood.

A marriage is much more than the unity of two bodies. It establishes a connection between a husband and a wife based on trust. It has many advantages for those who take it as a property, and for making this property valuable there must be equal love, support and trust. It is also a relationship that is defined legally, morally and socially. It is even regarded as a social institution. After marriage, modern people have to play an important role. A married person also has to play a role of a leader in his or her family. As a life partner, he or she has to follow cultural and social norms to make the institution strong. After marriage, married people also have to maintain their physical and mental health because they are involved in public life, luxury, comfort, sufferings, difficulties, etc. after their marriage. So, marriage is an institution like family, education, law, etc.

On the other hand, the writer adds that marriage benefits men because it is a body of society. Husbands and wives get their chance to enjoy a harmonious and happy life. Besides, marriage improves men's public virtues and helps them find out the purpose and meaning of their life. The most important thing is people who are married are less likely to commit suicide than those who are unmarried. The writer even says that marriage is effective way to control people’s unnecessary desires and choices. He also adds that marriage binds a man to the same woman for the rest of his life for the desire and purpose of his love, happiness, success, satisfaction, achievements, etc.

In another context, the writer says that these days marriages have become a fashion in the form of living together because they are not circled legally, morally and socially. In these kinds of marriages, any beliefs, culture and customs are not followed, there are no limitations in their character and husbands and wives do not play their responsibility fairly. According to the writer, living together or cohabitation has a very weak foundation where there is not any rule, law, religion, culture, custom, etc.

Similarly, while taking about a common definition of marriage, the writer presents six dimensions of marriage on which he has his agreement. The six dimensions are:

1. Marriage is a free personal choice and right based on love.

2. Maturity is a necessary requirement for marriage.

3. Marriage is a heterosexual (opposite sex) relationship.

4. The husband is the head and the principal earner in a marriage.

5. Sexual fidelity (faithfulness) and monogamy (relationship with only one partner) are expectations for marriage.

6. Marriage normally involves children.