4.2.1 Changing patterns of marriage and cohabitation

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT cited in the text as a reason for the decline in marriage rates in Western societies?

  • The decline of full-time factory jobs.
  • The increasing popularity of same-sex marriage. (correct)
  • The rise of precarious and casual low-paid employment.
  • The increasing cost of traditional weddings.

What is the main reason for polygyny being prevalent in rural Zulu communities in South Africa?

  • A need for more labor in agricultural communities.
  • A belief that polygyny strengthens social bonds within the community.
  • A cultural expectation that family members contribute to family betterment. (correct)
  • A desire to have more children and grandchildren.

Which of the following cultural groups does NOT practice arranged marriage according to the text?

  • Hindu
  • Orthodox Jewish
  • Sikh
  • Buddhist (correct)

What is the defining characteristic of a ‘forced marriage’?

<p>A marriage where one party is coerced into marriage using emotional pressure and possible physical abuse. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the practice of a woman marrying multiple husbands?

<p>Polyandry (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries has the highest rate of forced child marriage according to the text?

<p>Niger (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the average age at which people get married in societies dominated by religions such as Islam is generally:

<p>Significantly younger than in other societies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided text, what is the main factor contributing to the increasing age at which people get married in many countries?

<p>The rising cost of living and difficulties in establishing financial independence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a trend observed in global marriage patterns as discussed in the text?

<p>A decline in inter-ethnic marriages due to cultural differences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text notes that in China, single women over the age of 27 are often referred to as ‘leftover women’. What is the main underlying reason for this phenomenon?

<p>A cultural pressure to marry before a certain age. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text as a factor affecting the likelihood of marriage among different socioeconomic groups?

<p>Religious beliefs and practices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the decline in marriage rates among the poorest sections of Western societies?

<p>Economic pressures and financial instability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a trend discussed in the text that suggests marriage is becoming increasingly influenced by economic considerations?

<p>The decline of full-time factory jobs and the rise of precarious employment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions a study by Sarah Corse et al. (2013) in the USA. What is the main finding of this study?

<p>Working-class individuals are less likely to get married and stay married due to economic challenges. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many societies worldwide legally recognize same-sex marriage?

<p>27 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that in many societies, arranged marriages are:

<p>A process involving negotiation and mutual consent between families and individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for being married to more than one person at the same time?

<p>Polygamy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of marriage involves a man having multiple wives?

<p>Polygyny (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many societies, according to Murdock's survey, legally practiced monogamy?

<p>186 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal trend is likely increasing in Western societies regarding marriage?

<p>Legalizing same-sex marriage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a culture-specific approach where a person is married to only one partner at any time?

<p>Monogamy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major change has affected the structure of monogamy in recent Western societies?

<p>Increased instances of divorce and cohabitation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of marriage is the most commonly practiced type of polygamy?

<p>Polygyny (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one way British colonial powers attempted to reduce polygyny in the Zulu nation?

<p>Charging extra taxes for additional wives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country has the highest cohabitation rate?

<p>Sweden (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of societies is cohabitation generally less popular?

<p>Roman Catholic societies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is generally regarded as deviant in Islamic societies concerning marital arrangements?

<p>Cohabitation outside of marriage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to research, what percentage of marriages in the UK were preceded by cohabitation in 2008-10?

<p>80% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why couples may choose to cohabit instead of marrying immediately?

<p>To test compatibility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In rural areas of India, what is the general societal attitude towards cohabitation?

<p>Disapproved (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been one effect of cohabitation on the rates of marital breakdown according to sociologists?

<p>Screens out weaker relationships (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common practical reason for the rise in cohabitation?

<p>Financial convenience (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the cohabitation scenario in Indonesia differ from many Western countries?

<p>Cohabitation is considered a crime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of women in the USA and Europe are married by their 40th birthday?

<p>80% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of married individuals in surveys conducted in China identified as living in dual income, no kids (DINK) families?

<p>7% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a reason for women postponing marriage?

<p>Pressure from family (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for couples who cohabit but are not married?

<p>Cohabiting partners (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decline in overall marriage rates is viewed by feminists as an indicator of what?

<p>Increased options for women (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the statistics provided, how many forced marriages occurred in Britain annually in 2013?

<p>8000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal change in the late 20th century significantly impacted women's attitudes towards marriage?

<p>Improvement in education for girls (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'companionate marriage' refer to in the context of modern relationships?

<p>Marriage that emphasizes friendship and partnership (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why may victims of forced marriage be reluctant to report the situation to authorities?

<p>Fear of disappointing parents (C), Desire to maintain family unity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that marriage is far from obsolete?

<p>High percentage of remarriages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do New Right perspectives on marriage and family life typically misrepresent statistics?

<p>By ignoring single people's future plans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of globalization on women's economic status?

<p>Greater economic power due to job availability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does research by Zoya Gubernskaya indicate about cohabitation worldwide?

<p>It is becoming more accepted across many cultures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What demographic in the USA and Europe remarries more frequently, according to marriage statistics?

<p>Men (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Marriage

A universal institution practiced by most societies in various forms.

Monogamy

A form of marriage involving only one partner at a time.

Bigamy

The act of marrying more than one person at the same time, illegal in most societies.

Serial Monogamy

A sequence of long-term monogamous relationships over a lifetime.

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Polygamy

A form of marriage where one person has multiple spouses simultaneously.

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Polygyny

A type of polygamy where a man has multiple wives.

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Cohabitation

Living together and having a romantic relationship without being married.

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Global Trends in Marriage

Shifts in marriage practices and norms seen across cultures.

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Polyandry

Marriage system where a woman has multiple husbands.

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Same-Sex Marriage

Marriage between members of the same sex, recognized in several countries.

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Arranged Marriages

Marriage planned by families, typically involving mutual consent.

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Marriage Rate Decline

The decrease in the number of marriages per 1000 people annually.

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Average Age of Marriage

The age at which individuals typically get married, rising in many places.

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Cultural Anxiety in Marriage

Concerns arising from societal pressures regarding marriage timing.

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Inter-Ethnic Marriage

Marriage between individuals from different ethnic backgrounds.

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Forced Marriage

Marriage conducted without valid consent, often involving duress.

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Child Marriage

Marriage involving individuals under the legal age of adulthood.

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Economic Influence on Marriage

Economic factors affecting marriage rates, especially among the poor.

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Caste and Socio-Economic Status

Criteria many people consider when choosing a marriage partner.

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Consent in Marriage

The agreement of both parties to get married willingly.

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Marriage as Middle-Class Institution

Trend showing marriage being more common among middle-class individuals.

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Cohabitation Rate

The percentage of couples living together without marriage in a specific area.

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Cohabitation in Catholic Societies

Cohabitation is less popular in societies influenced by Roman Catholicism.

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Cohabitation and Islam

In Islamic societies, cohabitation is often considered deviant and sometimes illegal.

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Cohabitation in India

Cohabitation faces disapproval in rural areas but is growing in urban areas.

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Cohabitation Impact on Marriage

Cohabitation may strengthen marriages rather than weaken them.

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Cohabitation Statistics

80% of marriages in the UK from 2008-10 were preceded by cohabitation.

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Cohabitation as a Cultural Trend

Cohabitation is increasingly viewed as a viable path to marriage.

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Cohabitation as Screening

Cohabitation tests relationship compatibility before marriage.

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Practical Reasons for Cohabitation

Couples may cohabit to save money or transition from previous relationships.

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Cohabitation Growth in Brazil

Brazil has seen an increase in cohabiting couples in recent years.

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Statistics on Forced Marriage in India

In 2016, nearly 34,000 women and 17,000 girls were forced into marriage.

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DINK Families

Dual Income, No Kids; families wherein both partners work but have no children.

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Economic Empowerment of Women

Increased job opportunities for women leading to higher economic independence.

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Postponement of Marriage

Trend where individuals, especially women, delay marriage for career establishment.

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Marriage as a Serious Proposition

Modern attitudes towards marriage where individuals weigh costs and benefits carefully.

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Remarriage Stats

Around 40% of all marriages in the USA and Europe are remarriages.

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Marriage as a Life Goal

Despite changes, many people still view marriage as a desirable goal in life.

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Social Policies for Women

Government actions aimed at strengthening women's roles in society.

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Decline of Marriage Rates

Observation of decreasing marriage rates, particularly among middle-class women.

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Cultural Shift in Marriage Attitudes

Changing perspectives and values surrounding marriage in various societies.

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Reluctance to Report Forced Marriages

Victims often do not report forced marriages due to fear and shame.

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Motherhood and Remarriage

Women with children face challenges in finding new partners.

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Cohabitation Variance

Significant differences in cohabitation acceptance across different nations.

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Study Notes

Marriage Worldwide

  • Marriage is a universal institution, practiced across cultures, yet its form and functions vary.
  • Western societies traditionally promoted monogamy (lifelong heterosexual marriage).
  • Murdock's survey (1231 societies) found 186 practiced legal monogamy.
  • Bigamy is illegal and punishable in these societies.
  • Serial monogamy is increasingly prevalent in the West due to divorce and cohabitation.
  • Same-sex marriage is now legal in many Western countries.

Polygamy

  • Polygamy is more common in the Middle East and Africa.
  • Two primary forms exist: polygyny (one man, multiple wives) and polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands).
  • Polygyny was observed in 453 societies (occasionally) and 588 societies (commonly) in 1998.
  • Polyandry is practiced by nearly 80 cultural groups (Starkweather & Hames, 2012).
  • Polyandry is observed in regions like Tibet, India, and China.
  • Socio-cultural factors, family needs, and status drive polygamy decision.

Same-Sex Marriage

  • Same-sex marriage is globally recognized by 27 countries as of 2018 (with another 3 recognizing such unions if entered into elsewhere).
  • 72 societies criminalize homosexuality, some with the death penalty as a consequence.

Arranged Marriages

  • Arranged marriages, common in some Middle Eastern and Asian societies, are based on mutual discussion between families and potential partners (not forced).
  • Families, children and potential partners might use specific online resources as part of the process.
  • Marriage rates are declining in many societies worldwide.
    • UK marriage rates in 1972 (480,000) versus 2015 (239,020)
    • American marriage rates (25-34 year olds) 55% in 2000, 40% in 2015
    • China experienced a decline from about 2013.
    • Fewer Japanese couples married in 2017 than since 1945.
  • Average age at marriage is rising globally, particularly in Western societies (e.g., UK average age at first marriage is now >37 years).

  • Traditional cultural anxieties of being unmarried beyond a specific age in some societies, i.e. China.

  • Women have younger marriage ages than men.
  • Cultural groups tend to marry other like-minded people in terms of background and similar status.
  • Socio-economic status and low income can impact marriage decisions and rates of marriage.
  • Inter-ethnic marriage is increasing in modern Western societies.
  • Forced marriage is a concern, even in modern Western societies due to global migration.
    • 76% forced marriage in Niger (2010-2016) – girls under 18 years.
  • Factors influencing the shift in attitude about marriage:
    • Increased educational opportunities for girls.
    • Economic opportunities (globalization increasing women’s economic power).
    • Women becoming an important source of income in dual-income households.
    • Increased female independence and economic decision-making, resulting in fewer marriages because the benefits of marriage are no longer as necessary.
    • The weighing of costs and benefits of marriage and having children against career aspirations and more financial independence.
  • Many people still largely value marriage.
  • Remarriage shows marriage’s ongoing popularity.
  • Concerns over marriage decline may have been overstated. Marriage remains the most common relationship type in many societies globally.

Cohabitation

  • Cohabitation (non-married couples living together) is gaining global popularity.

  • Wide variance in cohabitation prevalence across countries.

  • Cohabitation is less common in Roman Catholic and Islamic societies.

  • Cohabitation can actually strengthen marriage in some societies.

  • The majority of UK marriages are preceded by cohabitation.

  • It is thought that cohabitation can screen out incompatible couples.

  • Practical reasoning for cohabitation, including divorce, financial savings.

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