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The diversity of marriage: Why do different cultures define marriage so differently?
Marriage, also called engagement or marriage, is a culturally recognized union between partners. While marriage is a universal phenomenon in most cultures around the world, its definition varies across cultures, religions, laws, and time. This has led scholars to propose a variety of definitions in the hope of covering marriage practices in different cultures.
"Marriage is not only a legal relationship, but also a cultural and social symbol."
In many societies, marriage is viewed as a legal commitment that establishes rights and responsibilities between spouses. The ceremony that formalizes this relationship is called a wedding, while some secret marriages can be called elopement. As society changes, the understanding of marriage is also evolving, especially in recent years with the emphasis on equal rights and the elimination of discrimination against interracial, interracial, interfaith and same-sex couples.
However, different cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds have very different meanings for what marriage is. The History of Human Marriage states that "marriage is a lasting union between a man and a woman." Other scholars may focus on the couple's recognition of the legitimacy of the child.
Girl marriage and arranged marriages remain common in some societies, while in others they may be considered a violation of human rights. This is not only a difference in marriage forms, but also a reflection of culture and social structure.
"Marriage has unique roles and influences in different cultures."
For example, in some areas, in addition to traditional husband-wife relationships, polygamy and polyandry also exist. Polygamy, also known as polygamy, usually means that a man can have multiple wives at the same time, while polyandry is the opposite. These different forms of marriage each carry the history and social structure of their culture and reflect differences in gender equality, economic resources, and social status.
In some cultures, traditional values have not yet led to equality between men and women. For example, in some tribes in Africa and Asia, arranged marriages are still practiced, which deprives women of their right to choose. This may seem like a cultural practice on the surface, but it can lead to considerable violations of women’s human rights.
"A person who ends a marriage in one culture may begin a new one in another."
Another interesting phenomenon is the way different cultures establish marriages. For people living in modern society, marriage is still a choice based on love, while in traditional culture, marriage may be more based on family contracts or economic interests. This means that how culture shapes individual emotions and behaviors is crucial.
Why are pluralistic marriages tolerated in some countries, while traditional monogamy is upheld in others? This has deeper social, economic and political implications. Changes in social roles and evolution of family structure are important indicators reflecting these changes.
In addition, age at marriage is also an observable indicator. The younger the woman's marriage age, the lower her autonomy is usually. This phenomenon is reflected in the study of economic history. Culture’s definition of and expectations of marriage may further influence the economic structure of contemporary society.
"In some societies, marriage is a political and economic tool rather than a symbol of love."
With the acceleration of globalization, people are gradually beginning to attach importance to cross-cultural understanding and respect. In this process, discussing different cultures and different forms of marriage is particularly important for promoting social inclusiveness and understanding. We may think about what standards and directions the future definition of marriage will have when marriage concepts from different cultures blend?
