Summary of Marriage as a Social Institution by Stephen L. Nock | Essay | Class XII English Note (Exercise)

Marriage as a Social Institution

Stephen L. Nock

Summary

In the essay ‘Marriage as a Social Institution’, Nock examines the national marriage debate by reviewing the social and demographic trends that have changed the role of marriage and the family. He views that marriage and parenthood are private matters, relevant only to the individuals directly involved.

The essayist considers that marriage is a relationship defined by legal, moral and conventional assumptions. He considers that it is an institution as it is culturally patterned and integrated into other basic social institutions such as education, economy and politics. In his opinion, marriage has rules which originates outside any particular union of husband and wife, that establish soft boundaries around marriages.

The essayist cites the explanation made by Emile Durkheim about functions of marriage for men. Durkheim believed that modern humans are focused on the desires like well-being, comfort, luxury and prestige. One of the central problems in modern society is establishing legitimate boundaries around such desires, and this can be fulfilled by social institutions such as marriage. He claims that marriage benefits men as it is an organ of society which restrains their uncontrollable impulses.

The essayist points out the growing number of Americans who appear to believe that unmarried cohabitation offers something that marriage doesn’t. Unmarried partners have tremendous freedom to decide how they will arrange their relationships. They don’t have a pattern to follow, and exempt from the marriage norms and laws in a society.

For the essayist, marriage is a form of capital as any resources. He believes it exists in the relation among persons. It consists of extensive networks of individuals linked by bonds of trustworthiness. This type of capital is produced in relationships predicted on the belief that compulsions will be incurred and repaid. Although the institution of marriage as an individual asset, it is not less important than others.

The essayist defines normative marriage is a form of social control, a way by which behaviors and aspiration the six dimensions that define normative marriage in America. Marriages are voluntary. Theses relations are built with maturity. Marriages are heterosexual. Husband is the principal earner. Both partners are sexually faithful. The married partners will become parents. Normative is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents the collective sentiments of others.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. According to the author, what is marriage?

Marriage is a relationship defined by legal, moral, and conventional assumptions.

b. How is marriage an institution?

Marriage is an institution as it is culturally patterned and integrated into other basic social institutions, such as education, economy, and politics.

c. What are the rules that a marriage has?

Marriage has rules that originate outside any particular union of two spouses and that establish soft boundaries around the relationship that influence the partners.

d. Why does marriage matter to men?

Marriage matters to men because it provides structure to their lives, organizes their ambitions, and checks unrestrained longings and desires.

e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?

One of the central problems in modern society is establishing legitimate boundaries around the desires like well-being, comfort, luxury, and prestige.

f. What does social capital consist of?

Social capital consists of extensive networks of individuals linked by bonds of trustworthiness and trust.

g. What is normative marriage? Explain.

Normative marriage is a form of social control, a way by which behaviors and aspirations are channeled appropriately. It is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents the collective sentiments of others. Marriage in this view is qualitatively different from other intimate relationships.

Reference to the context

a. Discuss six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.

The essayist defines normative marriage is a form of social control, a way by which behaviors and aspiration the six dimensions that define normative marriage in America. Marriages are voluntary. These relations are built with maturity. Marriages are heterosexual. Husband is the principal earner. Both partners are sexually faithful. The married partners will become parents.

b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?

The formal and informal rules regarding marriage in Nepal vary between regions, ethnic groups and castes. For example, the Gurungs consider cross-cousin marriage to be acceptable while many Bhramins considers it to be prohibited in Hinduism. People generally look within their socio-economic group, caste or ethnicity to choose expected partners. Likewise, marriage rituals are also different among them due to their distinct cultures and traditions.