ASSIGNMENT – SOCIOLOGY-II

SUBJECT CODE: BA LLB 110

TOPIC – MARRIAGE: FUNCTIONS AND DYSFUNCTIONS

Department of Law Trinity Institute of

Professional Studies

Submitted to: Submitted by:

Assistant Prof. Ms. Rashima Sharma Bhumika Bisht
Roll No. 70327903823 BA LLB 2023-2028
Semester: II Subject: Sociology-II

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 ACCKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the completion
of this assignment.

First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to my professor, Ms. Rashima Sharma , for
her invaluable guidance and unwavering support throughout the duration of this assignment.

I am also grateful for the support and resources provided by Trinity Institute of Professional
Studies. The conducive academic environment has played a crucial role in the successful
completion of this assignment.

Finally, I am grateful to my family members, classmates and friends for proofreading my work
and catching several errors.

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 INDEX

S NO. TOPIC PAGE NO.

1 Introduction 4

2 Marriage as a Social Institution 4-5

3 Function of Marriage 5-7

4 Dysfunction Of Marriage 7–9

5 Conclusion 9

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INTRODUCTION

Marriage, as a social institution, has played a fundamental role in human societies throughout
history. It serves as a cornerstone for the formation of families, the continuity of lineage, and the
regulation of social and economic interactions. However, the institution of marriage is not
without its challenges. There are many pros as well as cons of marriage. Dysfunctional marriages
can be a source of significant distress for individuals, families, and communities. In this
assignment, we delve into the multifaceted nature of marriage, exploring its essential functions,
its impact on individuals and societies, and the dysfunctions that can emerge within marital
relationships. By analyzing both the positive and negative aspects of marriage, we aim to gain a
comprehensive understanding of this complex institution and its implications for individuals and
society.

MARRIAGE AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION

Marriage, as a social institution, stands as one of the oldest and most universal human practices,
transcending cultures, religions, and history. It serves several important functions and carries
significant social, cultural, legal, the regulation of sexual relations, transmission of social norms
and values across generations. Marriage embodies a lifelong commitment between two
individuals that is legally recognized and often sanctioned by both secular and sacred laws.
Historically, marriage has served various functions, including economic alliances between
families, legitimizing marital relations, and establishing parenthood and offspring legitimacy.
While the primary functions of marriage in modern developed countries have shifted towards
legitimizing parenthood and nurturing family members.

Definitions

Edward Westermarck in his well‐known book1 defines marriage as a more or less durable
connection between male and female, lasting beyond the mere act of propagation till after the
birth of offspring.

Malinowski defines marriage as “a contract for the production and maintenance of children”.
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The History of Human Marriage (1891)

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Robert O’ Blood (1960) states “marriage is perceived by sociologists as a system of roles of a
man and a woman whose union has been given social sanction as husband and wife.

Duncan Mitchell2 says ‘Marriage is a socially sanctioned sex relationship involving two or more
people of the opposite sex, whose relationship is expected to endure beyond the time required for
gestation and birth of children.’

Majumdar defines marriage as ‘‘Marriage is a socially sanctioned union of male and female, or a
secondary institution devised by society to sanction the union and mating of male and female, for
the purposes of:

(a) Establishing a household,

(b) Entering into sex relations,

(c) Procreating, and

(d) Providing care to offspring.”

FUNCTIONS OF MARRIAGE

Marriage serves a multitude of functions across societies, fulfilling social, emotional, economic,
and biological needs. Some of the key functions of marriage are as follows:

1. Legal and economic union:

Marriage establishes a legally recognized union between two individuals, granting them
certain rights, responsibilities, and benefits. This includes legal protections, shared
property rights, inheritance rights, tax advantages and decision-making in matters related
to health, finances, and legal affairs. It provides a framework for the recognition and
protection of spousal and familial rights under the law.
2. Family formation:

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Professor of Health and Disability at Manchester Metropolitan University

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 Marriage is traditionally seen as the foundation for creating a family unit and providing a
stable environment for raising children. It establishes a recognized kinship system and
defines parental roles and responsibilities. It also establishes legal and social frameworks
for the upbringing and care of children, ensuring their welfare and integration into
society.

3. Social and emotional support:

Marriage is intended to provide a committed, intimate relationship and a source of
emotional, psychological, and social support for the partners. It involves shared goals,
companionship, and a sense of belonging. It fosters deep emotional bonds, trust, and
companionship, providing individuals with a sense of belonging, security, and fulfillment
in their personal lives. Couples can share their lives, experiences, and grow together.

4. Cultural and religious significance:

In many societies, marriage is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious traditions,
rituals, and beliefs. It holds symbolic and spiritual significance, often involving
ceremonies and rites of passage. Marriage is seen as a way to transmit cultural values,
traditions, and norms from one generation to the next, ensuring the continuity of social
structures and customs.

5. Social control and regulation:

Marriage has historically been a means of regulating sexual behavior, procreation, and
the distribution of resources and power within a society. It establishes socially accepted
norms and expectations regarding gender roles, responsibilities, and power dynamics.

6. Social Cohesion and Stability:

Marriage contributes to social cohesion by establishing stable and enduring relationships
between individuals. It promotes social stability by encouraging commitment,
cooperation, and mutual dependence among partners, which in turn strengthens social
bonds and community ties.
7. Economic Cooperation and Division of Labor:

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 Marriage facilitates economic cooperation and the division of labor within households.
Partners often share financial resources, responsibilities, and decision-making, enabling
them to pool their skills and resources for the benefit of the family unit. This division of
labor helps in the efficient management of household tasks and economic activities.

8. Personal fulfillment and self-actualization:

In modern societies, marriage is increasingly viewed as a source of personal fulfillment,
self-actualization, and emotional and psychological well-being for the individuals
involved.

9. Social integration:
Marriage serves as a means of integrating individuals into wider social networks and
communities. It creates alliances and connections between families, communities, and
sometimes even larger social units like tribes or clans.

10. Social stratification:

In many societies, marriage has been used as a mechanism for maintaining or altering
social stratification3 and hierarchies. Marriages between individuals of different social
classes, castes, or ethnic groups can either reinforce or challenge existing social
structures.

DYSFUNCTIONS OF MARRIAGE

While marriage serves many important functions in society, it can also lead to certain
dysfunctions or negative consequences. Here are some potential dysfunctions of marriage
as a social institution :

1. Gender inequality and oppression:

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society's categorization of its people into rankings based on factors like wealth, income, education, family
background

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 Traditional marriage structures have often been criticized for perpetuating gender
inequalities and oppression, particularly towards women. Marriage has historically been
used to reinforce patriarchal power dynamics, restrict women's autonomy, and limit their
opportunities.

2. Domestic violence and abuse:

The intimate nature of marriage can create power imbalances and situations where
domestic violence, emotional abuse, or other forms of mistreatment can occur. This can
have severe consequences for the well-being of individuals and families.

3. Restricting individual freedom:

The expectations and norms surrounding marriage can be perceived as restricting
individual freedom, personal autonomy, and self-expression, particularly in more
traditional or conservative societies.

4. Discrimination and marginalization:

Marriage traditions and laws have historically discriminated against and marginalized
certain groups, such as same-sex couples, interracial couples, or individuals with
disabilities, among others.

5. Economic dependence and exploitation:

In some cases, marriage can create economic dependence and exploitation, particularly
when one partner has limited access to resources or employment opportunities outside of
the marriage.

6. Difficulty in dissolving marriages:

The legal and social processes involved in dissolving a marriage, such as divorce, can be
complex, costly, and emotionally taxing, potentially trapping individuals in unhappy or
dysfunctional relationships.
7. Conflict and tension within families:
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 Marriage can sometimes lead to conflicts and tensions within extended families,
particularly when it comes to issues such as dowries, inheritance, or differing cultural or
religious traditions.

8. Perpetuation of societal inequalities:

Marriage traditions and laws have sometimes been used to reinforce or perpetuate
existing societal inequalities, such as those based on race, class, or caste systems.

9. Difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships:

The expectations and pressures surrounding marriage can make it challenging for
individuals to maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships, leading to dissatisfaction,
resentment, or emotional distance.

10.Difficulty in balancing individual and relationship needs:

The demands of marriage and family life can sometimes make it challenging for
individuals to balance their personal needs and aspirations with the needs and
expectations of their spouse and family.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, marriage stands as a multi-level bond that fulfills diverse functions within society
while also facing challenges that reflect evolving norms and values. By recognizing the intricate
dynamics of marriage as a social institution, we gain insights into how it shapes individuals'
lives, relationships, and communities. The functions and dysfunctions of marriage underscore its
significance as a cornerstone of social organization and highlight the complexities inherent in
this fundamental aspect of human society.

BIBILOGRAPHY

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 C.N Shankar Rao, Sociology of Indian Society 101 (S. Chand & Company New Delhi ,2nd
edn,2013)
 socialsci.libretexts
 ebooks.inflibnet

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