Definitions for Marriage

Paper Summary:

This paper studies the definition of marriage in today's society. It looks at the history of marriage in order to show that the most accepted definition for marriage is between a man and a woman. The paper begins by defining and analyzing the four definitions of marriages. It then goes on to discuss which of the definitions is the best one in terms of society and acceptability.

Table of Contents:
Four Types of Marriages
Marriages Defined as Contracts
Social Definition of Marriage
Four Definitions of Marriage

From the Paper:

"Studying the four types of marriages plays an important role in defining marriage. Four types of marriages are monogamy, polygyny, polyandry, and group marriage. The most recognized marriage type is monogamy. Monogamy marriage is "an institution created by societies of various cultures to publicly announce a concrete union between two people" (Forms and Meanings). Polygyny means having one husband with many wives, while polyandry is having one wife and several husbands (Forms and Meanings). The fourth type of marriage is group marriages, which means having several husbands and several wives. All four types of marriages have existed in society without regard to technology or economics (Forms and Meanings). Looking back through history shows that group marriages and polygyny have existed in few cultures or societies. History does not discuss the meaning of marriage as two couples married to two couples nor does it say any where in history that marriage is between two people of the same sex. Homosexuality has been a problem in history, but it has never been recorded as marriage. Different rules for society or countries have existed when it comes to marriage, but most countries and cultures recognize that marriage is between one man and one woman even when families select the mates. In many countries including the United States, marriage is a binding contract."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cochrane, Kira. "Kira Cochrane Rekons Two in a Marriage Is Enough." 17 April 2006 Newsstateman 26 February 2007. <http://www.newstatesman.com/200604170016>.
• "Forms and Meanings of Marriage." 26 February 2007. <http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ATLAS_EN/html/forms_and_meanings_of_marriage.html>.
• Hausman, Bernice. "Marriage Defined." 26 February 2007. <http://athena.english.vt.edu/~hausman/pastvourses/marriage_def.html>.
• "Legal Definition of Marriage." 'Lectric Law Library 26 February 2007. <http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m087.htm>.
• New Life Bible Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1996.

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