Types of Marriage

Types of
Marriage
Meaning and Types of
Marriage
Marriage is one of the universal
social institutions established and
nourished by human society. It is
closely connected to the
institution of family. According to
Gillin and Gillin, "Marriage is a
socially approved way of
establishing a family of
procreation." Westermarck says
that marriage is rooted in the
family rather than the family in
the marriage.
Marriage is an institution of
society with diff erent purpose,
functions and forms in
diff erent societies but is
present everywhere as an
institution. According to
Malinowski, " marriage is a
contract for the production
and maintenance of
children." According to Robert
H Lowie," Marriage is a
relatively permanent bond
between permissible mates."
The main
types of
marriages
are:
Polygyny
Polygyny is a form of marriage
in which one man married more
than one woman at a given time.
Polygyny is more popular than
polyandry but not as universal as
monogamy. It was a common
practice in ancient civilizations.
At present it may be present in
primitive tribes like Crow Indians,
Baigas and Gonds of India.
Polygyny is
of two
types:
Sororal polygyny
It is a type of marriage in which the wives
are invariably the sisters. It is often called
sororate. The Latin word Soror stands for
sister. When several sisters are
simultaneously or potentially the spouses of
the same man the practice is called sororate.
It is usually observed in those tribes that pay
a high bride price.
Non-sororal polygyny
It is a type of marriage in which the wives
are not related as the sisters.
Polyandry
Polyandry is the marriage
of one woman with several
men. It is practiced among the
Marquesan Islanders of
Polynesia, The Bahama of
Africa and tribes of Samoa. In
India among tribes of Tiyan,
Toda, Kota, Khasa and Ladakhi
Bota it is still prevalent .
Polyandry is
of two.
Fraternal polyandry
When several brothers share
the same wife, the practice
can be called fraternal
polyandry. This practice of
being mate, actual or
potential to one's husband's
brothers is called levirate. It
is prevalent among the Todas
in India.
Non - fraternal polyandry
In this type the husbands need not have any

close relationship prior to the marriage. The
wife goes to spend some time with each
husband. So long as a woman lives with one
of her husbands, the others have no claim
over her. Polyandry has its own implications.
It gives rise to the problem of determining
biological paternity of the child. Among the
Todas one of the husbands goes through
what is called a bow and arrow ceremony
with the woman and thereby becomes the
legal father of her child. Among the
Samoans, the children after the first few
years are given the liberty to choose their
parents for their permanent stay. The
selected parent becomes the actual father of
the children.
Monogamy
Monogamy is a form of marriage in which one

man marries the woman. It is most common form
of the marriage found among in the societies
around the world. According to Westermarck
monogamy is as old as humanity. Monogamy is
universally practiced providing marital opportunity
and satisfaction to all the individuals. It promotes
love and affection between husband and wife. It
contributes to family peace, solidarity and
happiness. Monogamous marriage is stable and
long lasting. It is free from conflicts that are
commonly found in polyandrous and polygamous
families. Monogamous marriage gives greater
attention to the socialization of their children.
Women are given very low position in polygyny
where their rights are never recognized. In
monogamy women enjoy better social status.
There are two
types of
monogamy.
Serial monogamy
In many societies individuals are
permitted to marry again often on
the death of the first spouse or
after divorce but they cannot have
more than one spouse at one and
the same time.
Straight monogamy:
In straight monogamy the
remarriage of the individuals is not
allowed.
Group Marriage
Group marriage means the
marriage of two or more
women with two or more
men. Here the husbands are
common husbands and wives
are common wives. Children
are regarded as the children
of the entire group as a
whole.

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Types of

In this type the husbands need not have any

Monogamy is a form of marriage in which one

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