UNIT 4

Family and Marriage

4.1. FAMILY
4.1.1. Meaning and Definition of Family
When a resident or homeowner lives with one or more persons, related to him/her by
marriage, birth or any other relation, then it is considered as a family. The related persons,
living with the homeowner, are considered as the members of the family. In most cases,
these members share a single roof by living together. A household can be a group of
separate or dissimilar persons or a solitary person residing alone; hence, it is not necessary
that all households encompass families. Only a single family can be enclosed under a
household for census calculations and tabularisations.

A group comprising of children along with their parents residing under a single roof, living
as a unit, is termed as a family. It generally involves all the successors of mutual forefathers.
The definition of family changes from person to person. The concept of family is different in
aspects of cultural, economic, social, political, etc. However, a common fact lies in all
different aspects of the family that the persons within the family are inter-related and are
important to each other.

The term family can be described in various ways. One of the common dictionary
definitions of family is "a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or
two parents and their children". This definition explains the basic concept of the family but
does not cover some of the important variations including childless couples. A different yet
similar definition of family is "Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-
term commitments to one another and reside usually in the same dwelling".

According to Kingsley Davis, "Family is a group of persons where relations to one another
one based upon consanguinity (blood relation) and who are therefore kin to one another".

According to Nikoff, "Family is a more or less durable association of husband and wife
with or without children or of a man or women alone with children".

According to Ralph Linton, "Family is a group that involves marriage, rights and duties of
parents, common residence for parents and children and reciprocal relations between
parents and children".

According to Maclver, Family is "a group defined by a sex relationship sufficiently precise
and enduring to provide for the procreation and upbringing of children."
4.1.2. Characteristics of Family
Following are the characteristics of family:
1) Mating Relationship: When a woman and a man establish mating relation in between
them then family takes place. It might be for long-lasting or for short period of time. A
family divides, when the mating relations between these two are break apart.
2) Form of Marriage: Marriage provides basis to the family, which results in mating
relationship between men and women. The celebration of marriage is different in
different countries. For example, in Europe, the celebration of marriage may be a long
process similar to India. The marriage might be polygamous or monogamous. On the
other hand, the partners might be selected on the wish of individual or by the elders
wish or by the parents wish.
3) System of Nomenclature: Each family has its own procedure of reckoning descent. The
descent can be assumed through the female-line or by the male-line. However,
commonly the wife goes to the husband's home and joins her husband's relatives
whereas, sometimes the husband goes to the wife's home and accompany his wife's
relatives. It happens when the annual changes between the two systems occur. These
systems are called as matrilocal and patrilocal.
4) Economic Provision: Economic provision is required to satisfy the needs of the family.
In order to maintain the family, the head of the family carries certain profession and
earns money.
5) Common Habitation: A home is required for the survival of the family. The birth and
growth of a child cannot be possible without a home or place of residence. Thus, a
family is a biological entity which establishes institutional sexual relation between wife
and husband. A family is the physical union of two married persons who makes up the
other members of the unit or family. Through reproduction process, the members of a
family are biologically related with each other in comparison to the other group
members.

4.1.3. Basic Need of Family

Following are some of the basic needs of family:
1) Food: Food gives us the energy to survive, live and to move around. Just like housing or
shelter needs, food is also an integral part of family's day to day needs. In the modern
era, food is used as a medicinal purpose therefore every member of the family should
have access to a balanced diet. A balanced diet is required for the growth of mind and
body of the children.
2) Shelter: Shelter is considered as one of the most vital needs of the family because every
family needs a place to live in. There should be a house for the family and its members
to survive and live with ease. A modern family needs a decent house with dedicated
space for each member including the pets. In order to live a daily life, a person needs
some of the basic amenities of the house such as, toilet, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
3) Security: Every modern family needs protection because the world has grown in
various aspects which have increased the danger in the world out there. Family needs
protection both in physical and virtual world. The older members of the family are
responsible towards protecting the family. The innocent children and infants are the
ones who need special kind of protection as they are unaware of the dangers prevailing
in the outside world. A house in which a family lives should have some security
measures such as, alarms, security cameras, etc. There are many other security
measures that can be utilised by the family to protect themselves.
4) Clothing: A suitable clothing pattern for the family is determined by the geographical
location and other factors. Members of the family dress themselves according to such
factors. The age and weather should be considered by the family member before
dressing up.
5) Effective Communication: The foundation of any great relationship is effective
communication. A conducive environment for expression is created by effective
communication. In a family, these expressions hold utmost importance. There must be
free flow of communication between the family members. The modern family can
enhance the communication by utilising the advantages of technology. However, face to
face communication should not be replaced by any other modes of communication.
Family member should take proper care and discipline while using modern
communications tools as they have the ability to enhance and hinders proper
communication.
6) Education: The basis of good education is family. Education and family share a very
close relationship. Everything starts with family so it is the root of everything.
Therefore, for the growth of any family education is essential. The family must be
sensible and educated enough to raise a child who is successful, intelligent and creative.
A favourable and flexible environment should be created by the family for growth and
development. Usually the parents or the guardians handle this aspect and therefore it is
vital for them to be educated. This will influence the younger member of the family in a
positive way.
7) Access to Information Technology: Over the years, internet has grown in a very fast
manner. In our everyday life, technology has a regular and functional presence.
Therefore, in today's modern-era it is vital to have knowledge of IT. Access to internet is
the need of every family. For early development and growth it is vital to have access to
information. In order to compete effectively in the society, the family member must be
aware of new inventions and their surroundings.
8) Health: Apart from providing above key stated resources to the individual member,
medical care is also one of the most important things for the family. History and health
of the family should be given attention as the family members share same genes,
environment, habits and lifestyles and therefore have possibility to be at risk for certain
 disease. Information and details received from family history can be used to avoid
disease or to manage prevailing conditions.
9) Love: Love is a bond that keeps a family together. A person who is a part of family will
be loved unconditionally all the time. Thus, it is wonderful to be a part of the family. In
every family there must be abundance of love.
10)Sex: It is one of the most prominent needs of human life. After maturity one should
indulge in sexual activities. Sexual activities should take place between husband and
wife. These activities should not be performed with other man or women. For
generation and heredity sex activity is necessary.

4.1.4. Types of Family

Following are the various types of families:
1) On the Basis of Size and Structure: On the basis of size and structure or according to
the number of members family may be classified into two types such as:
i) Nuclear Families: It is the most common form of family that consists of father,
mother and their children. Nuclear families involve two generation unit living within
a single household. The children in a nuclear family may be natural, adopted or both.
ii) Joint or Extended Families: This type of family includes many nuclear families
within itself alongwith other persons in relation such as aunts, uncles, cousins,
grandparents, etc. Since mostly all or as many relatives also live with the nuclear
family members, it is known as joint or extended family.

The family members under this family structure share a single house or live nearby each
other. Hence, it is also known as kin network family or three-generation family. Family
responsibilities such as babysitting or teaching of children, etc., are shared by family
members.

2) On the Basis of Authority: Based on authority, a family may be classified into following
categories:
i) Patriarchal Family: A patriarchal family is a type of family in which all the power
rests in the hand of the father or patriarch. This implies that, the power of the family
is in the hands of the male member of the family, who is considered as the father.
Thus, he has the power over other members of the family and he also owns the
property of the family.
ii) Matriarchal Family: Matriarchal family is completely opposite of patriarchal family.
Here, the power remains in the hand of the eldest female member of the family, who
is supposed to be the mother or wife. She owns property of the family and also
enjoys the authority over other members of the family. In this type of family, family
descent is known by the mother.
3) On the Basis of Residence: On residence basis, a family may be categorised into
following classes:
 i) Patrilocal Family: Patrilocal family is a family in which the wife comes to live in the
family of her husband after the marriage. This type of family is also patrilineal and
patriarchal
ii) Matrilocal Family: It is opposite of patrilocal family. Matrilocal family is a family in
which the husband comes to live in the family of his wife after the marriage. This
type of family is also matrilineal and matriarchal.
iii) Bilocal Family: In bilocal family both husband and wife can alternatively change
their residence after the marriage. In this type of family, sometimes the husband
joins his wife's house and some other times the wife joins her husband's house. This
type of family is also known as the family of changing the residence.
iv) Neolocal Family: Neolocal family is a family in which the newly married couple
settle in a new place and establishes a new family independently without having
parent support.
v) Avunculocal Family: Avunculocal family is a family in which the newly married
couple stays in the house of maternal uncle.
4) On the Basis of Marriage Practices: According to marriage practices, marriage can be
classified into following classes:
i) Monogamous Family: Monogamous family is a family in which both husband and
wife are not allowed to have more than one spouse. As well as, they are prohibited to
have extra-marital affairs. This family is based on the monogamy system of
marriage.
ii) Polygamous Family: Polygamous family is a family in which one man marries to
more than one woman and one woman marries to more than one man. In this type
of family two types of family system is existed such as, polygamous and polyandrous
family system.
5) Family on the Basis of Descent: On the basis of ancestry or descent, family may be
categorised into following types:
i) Patrilineal Family: Patrilineal family is a family in which the ancestry or descent is
determined by the father-line and also continues through father. This type of family
is very common. Here, the family name and property is also inherited by the father-
line. This type of family is patriarchal and patrilocal in nature.
ii) Matrilineal Family: Matrilineal family is a family in which the ancestry or descent is
determined by the mother-line and also continues through mother. In this family, the
family name and property is also inherited by the mother-line. Here, a woman is the
ancestor of the family. The rights are transferred from mother to daughter. This type
of family is matriarchal and matrilocal in nature.
iii) Bilineal Family: Bilineal family is a family in which ancestry or descent of the family
is determined by both mother and father.
4.1.4.1. Joint Family
In joint family system, every member of the family lives together and enjoys the family
income. This family system is very traditional concept. It consists of a minimum three
generations such as, grandparents, parents and children.

In joint family, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, father, mother,
grand children all are living together as a one big family. Members of the family work
together to fulfil their needs. In this type of family, all the members of the family own the
properties and land.

According to Smt. Iravati Karve, "A joint family is a group of people who generally live
under one roof, who eat food cooked at one hearth, who hold property in common and who
participate in common worship and are related to each other as some particular type of
Kindred."

According to K.M. Kapadia, "Joint family is a group formed not only of a couple and their
children but also other relations either from father's side or from mother's side depending
on whether the joint family is patrilineal or matrilineal."

Features or Characteristics of Joint Family

Following are the features or characteristics of joint family:
1) Large in Size: Large size is the most vital feature of a joint family. Members from three
to four generations are part of joint family. Parents, grandparents, children,
grandchildren, and other close blood relations are included in these families. A joint
family is made up of several nuclear families that live together as one.
2) Joint Property: Another key feature of a joint family is joint or common property. The
family's moveable and immovable property is jointly held. Property's ownership,
production, and consumption are shared among the family members. The earning of all
the members of the family is pooled together into a single fund. This fund is utilised
equally by all these members irrespective of their contributed amount. The material and
spiritual welfare of the family members and the assets of the family is looked upon by
the trustee (head) of the family.
3) Common Kitchen: Another most significant characteristic of a joint family is common
kitchen. Food is prepared on one hearth. In a joint family, work is divided among the
family members. Female members of the family stay at home with their family whereas
males work in the fields. The eldest female members of the family is the supervisor and
in charge of the kitchen. Joint kitchen is one of the reasons behind the togetherness of
these families. The share same kitchen as they believe that separate kitchen leads to
separation.
4) Close Blood Ties: The members of a joint family share close blood relationships.
5) Absolute Power of the Head: The eldest male of the joint family has the final say, thus
he enjoys supreme power over other members of the family.
6) Co-operation: In order to achieve their common goal and to perform family functions,
all members cooperate with each other's.

Merits of Joint Family System

Merits of joints family system are as follows:
1) In joint family, the elder parents will receive the children support and young parent will
receive the help of their parents in bringing up the children.
2) In joint family, grandparents will provide guidance and support to the children.
Whereas, if both the parents are working then this support will be valuable.
3) In joint family, the parents are not worried about their children as there are so many
people in the family to take care of the children.
4) In joint families, rents are saved. Thus, this type of family is cost-effective and the
responsibilities will be shared among every member of the family.

Demerits of Joint Family System

Demerits of joint family system are as follows:
1) In joint family, every member of the family live together thus, there is always a chance of
conflicts while sharing responsibilities and household works. Therefore, joint family
system might affect the relationships of the family members.
2) In this type of family system, there will be less privacy.
3) Joint family involves a large number of people, thus, making a decision is very tough in
this system.
4) The earning member may feel that they are taken for granted by the other members of
the family.

4.1.4.2. Nuclear Family

It is a universal social phenomenon. Duncan Mitchell defined nuclear family as "a group
which is composed of a wife, a husband and immature children that represents a unit
separate from the rest of the society". It is also known as elementary family. In
anthropology and sociology, nuclear family is a group of individuals who are united by
parenthood and partnership and which consist of a pair of adults and their children.

Features or Characteristics of Nuclear Family:

Following are the two most important features of nuclear family:
1) Nuclear Family is smaller in Size: One of the most important feature or characteristic
of nuclear family is its small size. Immediate family members such as wife and husband
and their children's are included in nuclear family. In some cases, the nuclear family
may consist of a single parent and his or her child/children.
2) Nuclear Family is grounded on a very Strong Bond of Emotion and Sentiment: As
only immediate members are present in a nuclear family therefore it is built on feelings
of sympathy, love, cooperation, friendship. and affection.

Demerits of Nuclear Family

Demerits of nuclear family are as follows:
1) In nuclear family, it is difficult to manage kids, when both parents are working.
2) Nuclear family might be isolated from the extended families.
3) Children of the nuclear family get easily attracted towards bad habits and bad friends in
compared to the children of joint family. This happens because children of joint family
have support from grandparents.
4) The parents of nuclear family will face loneliness because once children start earning,
they leave their parents.

Difference between Nuclear Family and Joint Family

Difference between Nuclear Family and Joint Family
Nuclear Family Joint Family
1) A family which combines two spouses A family which includes aunts, uncles,
and children are called as nuclear cousins, grandparent, father and mother
family. are defined as joint family. It is the
extension of nuclear family.
2) The size of nuclear family is very small. As, joint family involves a large number of
people, thus joint family big in size.
3) In nuclear family, one or both parents In joint family, the financial responsibilities
are responsible for the earnings of the are divided equally among all the members
family. of the family. For example, usually more
than two adults work in joint family.
4) In nuclear family, if both parents are In joint family, even though both parents
working then, their children may not are working, the children spend their time
spend much time with their parents. with other members of the family.

4.1.5. Functions of Family

There are some fundamental functions of a family, which are being followed throughout
generations in order to stay alive and acclimate. Following are the elementary functions of
families:
1) Unity: The first and the foremost function of any family is unity. It is responsible for
uniting persons for parenting and raising the children. Unity is the mutual factor that
can be found in any family in any part of the world.
2) Love and Cooperation: Generally, family is a result of marriage. Every society has
certain norms and values that are followed for making a marriage valid. In many
countries individuals marry for wealth and power. Whereas. in some other countries,
 such as United States, the reason for marriage is love. A real family is generated through
love and cooperation; else it would just be a group of unrelated people.
3) Kinship: Promoting various kinship formed within societies is one of the major
functions of establishment of families. Kinship is considered as a social connection that
links individuals with families. This social connection is based upon blood, adoption or
marriage. The concept of families lies around the fundamental aspects of kinship.

It plays a vital role in transmitting wealth, property, and power to other generations. It
is also responsible for socialising the younger generations. Kinship helps in preserving
the society by establishing bonds and connections on societal level.

4) Procreation and Rearing of Children: It is another important sectional function of

family Necessary arrangement of stable satisfaction of sexual urge resulted in
procreation. Family provides the legitimate basis for production of children. It
institutionalizes the process of procreation. By performing this function of procreation
family contributes to the continuity of family and ultimately human race. Hence
perpetuation of human race or society is the most important function of family. Not only
the production of children but also child rearing is another important function of family.
Family is the only place where the function of child rearing is better performed.

4.1.6. Constituent Members of Family

An old-styled or traditional family structure involves father, mother and their children. This
family structure has been followed in many television programmes as typical families.
However, there have been a lot of variations introduced by the generations of new
centuries. Nowadays, families with no children, homosexual parents, and single parent or
single child families are being raised. Also, due to any medical or emotional hurdle, some
parents decide to live without any children as a family. However, this concept contradicts
the fundamental definition of family to have children and parents living together. Thus, a
newer definition is required that can inculcate the modern variations in families. There are
many cases of other variations such as considering friends as family, or considering pets as
a family member. Hence, a family need not necessarily have parents or children; it can also
be formed through friends or pets. Some of the variations are discussed below:

1) Friends as Family: Friends play the role of family for many people, whereas some
people consider their friends even closer than their family. Orphans, illegitimate
children, or individuals who have lost their family members consider their close group
of friends as their family. These groups of friends. basically fill the void created due to
absence of family members. Friends as family gain more emotional importance than the
actual family itself. The group of friends or the friend circle is deliberately chosen by the
individual, through mutual goals or interests. Also, some individuals, who do have
families, possess a network of friends whom they consider as their extended families.
2) Pets as Family: In many parts of the world, pets are considered as family members. The
reason behind this concept lies in the fact that pets really are responsible towards
family members and particularly towards children. Also, married couples, who do not
have a child, consider pets as their children. Dogs, cats and other pets are dearly loved
by family and are considered as an important member of the family. Many people get
emotionally attached with their pets and believe that their families get completed along
with their pets.

Redefining Family
By considering the variations in different aspects of the family, there is a need of redefining
the term 'family', and enriching the existing definition in dictionary. An individual can
possess as many families as he/she wants. It depends upon the individual to choose the
persons he/she wants to interact with. The definition of family, whether modern or
traditional, must cover all the aspects and variations of the family, irrespective of how an
individual defines his/her family structure, A very popular saying satisfies the aspects of
family i.e. "Family is what you make it". Hence, a family should provide support to the
individual, whether formed through pets, friends or blood relatives.

High 5s of an Ideal Family

Following are the high 5s of an ideal family:
1) Acceptance of mistakes.
2) Mutual respect.
3) Non-discrimination.
4) No prejudice in matters of dispute.
5) Non-interference in personal likings and dislikings.

4.1.7. Role of Family in the Society

Every society in the world follows the same pattern of civilisations. This fact explains and
proves that the family is the foundation of the society. A family is formed when a man and a
woman marries. This process is reiterated and many villages, cities, and countries are
formed. Consequently, several countries are joined together to make a continent and all the
continents form the world. Therefore, family is considered as the foundational unit of the
whole process.

A family functions in the same manner as kids learn through role-models and by observing
their elder ones. Also, parents learn from other parents' activities of supporting and
parenting their children. Hence, a family should provide a positive environment to the
children. The parents should develop themselves into good role-models, from whom their
children would see and learn. For example, a child whose father consumes alcohol and
cigarettes daily, may develop a negative image for his father, or may develop same habit too.
Therefore, parents should be very careful about children's observing power and must
provide them with positive environment and good role-models. The best role-models for
children can be God, and parents should help the children in developing intimate
relationship with God.

Family must impart and promote the moral values to their children. Also, the family should
live according to these moral values and should promote the same in the society. This will
create a sense of understanding in other families. Modern moral values should also be
imparted to the children along with the basic ones. Some issues in the world today need
awareness, right from the beginning. These issues include abortion, homosexuality, sexual
immorality, etc. These issues and related suggestions should be discussed in the families to
avoid any misconduct.

The main role of the family lies in the fact that it holds the capacity of making a positive
impact on the society through their moral values. By showing love and care to their children
the parents can generate harmony in their family. They can also show unconditional love
towards their children by developing trust in their relations. They should educate their
children with the proper moral values for fulfiling their roles in the society. Right education
will shape the future of the young generations and the upcoming generations and will
ultimately result in safe and happy society.

4.1.8. Influence of Family on Health and Health Practices

Health is impacted by family dynamics both positively and negatively. A supportive and
devoted family provides emotional support, financial security and improved overall health
to an individual. Health of family member is negatively affected when he/she lives in a
family that faces stress and conflicts.
1) Positive Influence of Family on Health: One of the most important ways in which
family has a positive impact on health is through social support. The possibilities of
chronic diseases, death and mental illness decrease when family member shares a close
bond. Studies have been conducted in order to recognise the effect of marriage on
health. Physical health, low mortality and psychological well-being of a person all are
affected by marriage.

Being married is not necessary for receiving health benefits of a family. Mental health of
a person is positively impacted by the social support provided by parents, friends, and
relatives.

2) Negative Influence of Family on Health: Despite the fact that social support and
familial relations improve overall health and act as protective factors against mortality
risk it is also true that not all familial relations impact health in a positive way.

Non-supportive and problematic family impacts health negatively. Poor-quality

relationships are increasingly being shown to be harmful to one's physical and mental
health. Unhappily married person faces worse mental and physical health than an
 unmarried individual. Unequal allocation of decision-making and power in marriages
are linked to high levels of depression in both partners.

4.2. MARRIAGE
4.2.1. Introduction
One of the important aspects of human life is marriage. Family and marriage is the basic
foundations of the society. Marriage, as an institution, admits men and women into a family
life. It is a consistent and strong relationship where man and women are socially allowed to
have children which signify the right to sexual relation. In India, marriage is considered as
something very holy.

Marriage is a union of two souls in which souls are united mentally, spiritually and
physically. By the lawful procurement process, it plays a very important role in transferring
civilisation and the culture from one generation to other generation. Marriage is the base of
the family, which thereby considered as the fundamental building block of the society. Thus,
marriage is beneficial to the society as whole. Before and after the marriage, several rituals
and customs are performed. The customs of a religion varies from the custom of other
religion. For example, in Hindus, marriage has a religious piousness and it is not easy to
break that bond once a marriage takes place. Hindus believed that, children and marriage
are essential for 'Moksha'. On the other hand, in Muslims, marriage is a social and religious
contract which is legalised after the Nikah.

According to Linton, "Marriage is a socially recognised union between partners of

opposite sex".

According to Herskovits, "Marriage is defined as socially sanctioned mating entered into

with the assumption of permanency".

According to Westermarck, "Marriage is nothing else than a more or less durable

connection between male and female lasting beyond the act of propagation till after the
birth of offspring".

According to Mr. Muhammad Niaz, "It is a union of husband and wife approved by the
following four agencies i.e. Religion, society, morality, law".

According to Mack & Young, "Marriage is an institution or a set of norms which

determines a particular relation between parents and to their children'.

4.2.2. Aim of Marriage

Some of the aims of marriage are given below:
1) Biological Aim: Satisfaction of the biological need is one of the most important aims of
marriage. Whether it is a female or male both have natural biological need which leads
to child birth.
2) Social Aim: Begetting and bringing up children is the social aim of the marriage. Family
and the ancestry are continued by the marriage. Both female and male desire to have
their own child and become parents. After getting married, a person gets high social
status and a reputed life in the society. It not only builds the bond between the two
individuals but also enhances the family relationship.
3) Economic Aims: In agricultural society, female not only perform indoor household
activities but also some other work with males. Moreover, children are also considered
as a source of production. In some of the societies such as, primitive women are not
responsible for doing heavy job because of their fragility, so they do light jobs. For
example, stitching, sweeping, fetching of water, cooking and some other light work.
4) Psychological Aims: Marriage is the foundation of family which builds sensibilities and
emotion in the person. Members of the family feel mentally and psychological satisfied.
Married persons have assurance, safety and strength within the family. The married
couple does not feel any issues and their personality can be fully developed.

4.2.3. Forms of Marriage

Some of the marriages are as given below:
1) Monogamy: Monogamy is a type of marriage where one woman marries to one man
only. It is the most common form of marriage within the society. Monogamy is
universally accepted and it provides marital opportunity to every individual of the
society. It encourages affection and love between the married couple which contributes
happiness, peace and harmony within the family. This type of marriage is long lasting
and stable.

In monogamy, women enjoy better social status. Monogamy pays more emphasis
towards the socialisation of the children. This type of marriage is the lawfully
acknowledged form of marriage in most of the Europe and North America.

2) Polygamy: When a man marries to more than one woman or a woman marries to more
than one man at a given time then is called as polygamy. This form of marriage is not as
universal as monogamy. Polygamy is divided into two classes:
i) Polygyny: It is form of marriage in which one man marries to more than one
woman. Polygyny restricted form of marriage because it is not easy to maintain a
large family. This type of marriage increases when number of men decrease in wars.
ii) Polyandry: It is form of marriage in which one woman marries to more than one
man. Polyandry is opposite of polygyny. For example, in south India, among the
Todas, brothers can share a wife. It happens when the men are poor and they want
to share a single plot to end their livelihood, then they decide to live with one wife
with in the same house.

Polyandry is of two types:

 a) Fraternal Polyandry: Fraternal polyandry is a form of marriage in which several
brothers share the same wife. It is also known as alelphic. At present time,
fraternal polyandry is usually practiced by some tribals such as, Todas.
b) Non-Fraternal Polyandry: Non-fraternal polyandry is just opposite of fraternal
polyandry. In this form of marriage it is not essential that the husbands of the
wife are brothers to each other. A wife goes to spend some time with each of her
husbands and it is up to her that how long she stays with one of her husbands.
However, the other husbands have no right to claim on her.

4.2.4. Social Customs Relating to Marriage

Marriage was not a matter of free choice till late 20th century. Today in western countries
love was the only requirement to get married. Marriages are arranged by the family
members in societies with large or extended families. People believe that the love between
the spouses develops after marriage and socio economic benefits that marriage will bring
are given much thought.

A person acts as an intermediary or matchmakers in societies that support arrange

marriages. The main role of this person is to arrange a marriage that is acceptable to both
the families involved. In arrange marriage, some type of dowry or bride wealth is always
exchanged. Dating is common in societies that support love marriages. The result of
successful dating is love affair and then marriage.

Marriage is a universal truth and divorce is unusual. Every married couple give birth to a
child. Family's elders always arrange marriages based on caste, economic status, degree of
consanguinity, economic status, education (if any), and astrology. A bride is expected to
move into her husband's home after marriage.

In India, gender and age of the person are used as factors to give precedence. The woman
with more male children is given more importance. The head of the family is the senior
male whereas all the household chores are regulated by the wife of the head. Males have a
higher social status than females, and boys are pampered while girls are neglected.

Women have traditionally been expected to treat their husbands as gods, and there has
been a major societal norm that wives should always obey their husbands. Women's are
expected to do the same till their husband dies. There are norms that young age widow is
not allowed to get married.

By performing kanyadan a bride's father handover her daughter to the groom. Along with
this, some dowry in the form of items necessary to start a living is also provided to the
couple.
There are families that demand dowry as a mean of enrichment. There are cases where
groom's family torture young bride to extract more wealth from her family. Dowry has
become a major issue as a result of these "dowry deaths."

In a Muslim marriage, a contractual relationship is established by bride's father or

guardian. In this marriage, the groom promises a mahr as a formal reciprocity which means
a commitment to provide lifetime financial security.

4.2.5. Importance of Marriage

Marriage is a wonderful activity. Following are some of the importance of marriage:
1) Marriage Marks a Great Beginning: The beginning of family is marked by marriage.
Marriage is a life-long commitment which makes one selfless and responsible. Marriage
is a physical, emotional and spiritual bond. A married couple experiences a sense of
contentment.
2) Promotes Oneness: Marriage unites two people. It is one of the superior bonds on the
earth. It connects two people so that they can face the difficulties, thrills,
disappointments, shocks, and uncertainties of life together.
3) Brings a Higher Purpose to Life: Marriage allows couple to realise a greater purpose
in their lives. People are more satisfied when they strive towards a broader goal. After
marriage, life becomes more meaningful.
4) Joy of Parenting: Parenting is unlike anything else in terms of being challenging,
thrilling, and wonderful. Give birth to or adopting a kid is the greatest blessing on the
planet. An orphan is more likely to be unprepared to face the world. Couples who give
birth to a child get the opportunity to help a soul live happily and successfully.
5) Purity: Marriage symbolises purity. Almost every minute, we are confronted with
temptation from all sides. Marriage provides us with the strength to resist temptation
by engaging in deep, satisfying love that provides physical. emotional, and spiritual
support.

4.2.6. Influence of Marriage Practices on Health and Health

Marriage and health are closely related. Married people experience lower morbidity and
mortality across such diverse health threats as cancer, heart attacks, and surgery. Married
people are generally healthier than unmarried people, as measured by numerous health
outcomes.

Positive and negative effects of marriage on health are as follows:

1) Positive Effects of Marriage: Some of the positive effects of marriage on health are as:
i) General Health: A married couple is happier than the unmarried or one who is
separated or widowed. It is an indication of good health which shows the positive
effects of marriage. The married couple is more concerned about each other's food,
workout, etc. They take responsibility of each other and if one of them is not feeling
 well then they take them to the hospital for health check-ups. Therefore, married
people have lower chance of any serious health issue.
ii) Severe Illnesses: After being diagnosed with cancer, survival rates are higher in
married couples, in comparison to unmarried or widowed. Married men and women
respond to cancer treatment better than those who are of 10 years younger from
them. Married men can live more, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Death
ratio of married couple is less than the unmarried or widow. Married people are less
likely to die with heart attack. Stroke risk is low in married men and women as
compared to unmarried men and women. Marriage plays an important role for
mental health of people.
iii) Longevity: Mortality rates are lower in married people, as well as there is a lower
risk of death from suicide, accidents, disease and self-inflicted wound. On the other
hand, suicidal risk is higher in unmarried people or in widowed or in divorced. The
longer a person's marriage, the lower their mortality risks.

On the other hand, children are also the reason of being less chance of suicide. A
married couple without children has 33 per cent lower suicidal risk than unmarried.
Whereas, married couples with children experience 48 per cent decreased suicidal
risk.

iv) Recover from Ailments More Quickly: One of other positive effect of marriage is
that, one person always takes care of other person if they are not feeling well. People
who are in healthy relationships recover soon because they have someone who
takes care of them, gives them proper food at time and consult with doctor. On the
other hand, married people support each other emotionally.
2) Negative Effects of Marriage: A stressful and strained marriage is harmful for the
mental and physical health of the married people. The negative effects of marriage are
explained below:
i) Weakened Immune System: The stress caused by the marital issues affects the
immune system of the married couple. Due to the stress, the germ-fighting cells are
inhibited and the body gets weak. When a person always suspects their partner then
it may create constant anxiety and stress in between the married couple. Thus, these
stresses may affect the T-cells of the immune system which fights from any kind of
infection, On the other hand, the level of stress hormone also increases.
ii) Increase in Heart Disease Rate: Heart disease is one of the adverse effects of
marriage. It happens because of stressful and unsatisfying marriage. After the
marriage the body gets change such as, higher cholesterol levels, growing body mass
indexes and rise in a blood pressure, It is assumed that cardiovascular health is
directly related to the level of stress. Especially women are affected by this because
they have tendency to hide their stress and anxiety which affects their heart and
body.
 iii) Increase in Diabetes Risk: Stress can also increase the blood sugar level and
increase the risk of type two diabetes. Psychological stress and unresolved conflicts
can also increase the blood sugar level. In this situation, the body may not be able to
make the enough insulin which is required to counteract the increased blood sugar
level. On the other hand, people who are in stressful condition may neglect the good
diet and avoid exercise.

4.2.7. Legislations on Indian Marriage and Family

Marriage, Adoption, Divorce, Child Custody, Maintenance, Guardianship, Partition, Parental
Responsibility, and other legal issues that happen in families or other personal
relationships are all covered under family law.

India's population is made up of individuals of various religions and faiths. In matters

connected to family affairs, such as marriage, divorce, succession, etc., they are governed by
separate sets of personal laws.

Marriage and divorce law has been established in many enactments that apply to persons of
various religions. Legislations related to Indian marriage and family are as follow:

1) The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: A valid marriage in Hindus is the one that fulfils the
following criteria.
i) The individuals getting married must be single and have no living spouse from a
prior marriage.
ii) 18 years is the legal age for women and 21 years is the legal age for men to get
married.
iii) Both parties mental soundness is required, and they must be capable of voluntarily
giving their permission to the marriage.
iv) Bride and groom should not share blood relation unless their respective religious
rules allow it.
2) The Special Marriage Act, 1954: Every Indian citizen irrespective of their religion,
culture or cast are regulated under special marriage laws. This act necessitates
following conditions to be fulfilled for getting married:
i) Registration of marriage is essential for its validity. In India, marriage can be
registered with the help of family
ii) The bride and groom must be 18 years old and 21 years old, respectively.
iii) Both parties to the marriage must be of sound mind.
iv) The bride and groom cannot be siblings. According to the Act, there are 37
relationships that are prohibited from marrying one other.
3) The Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872: The presence of priests, ministers or
clergymen is required in Indian Christian Marriage. Following conditions needs to be
fulfilled for a valid Christian marriage:
i) The bride and groom must be 18 years old and 21 years old, respectively.
 ii) Voluntarily consent needs to be given by both bride and the groom.
iii) At the time of the marriage, none of the parties shall have an existing partner from a
previous marriage.
iv) Mind of both the parties to the marriage must be sound.

In India, the marriage must be performed in the presence of at least two trusted
witnesses and a registrar of marriages who has the licence and power to register
marriages and issue marriage certificates.

4) Muslim Law: Muslim marriages are regulated by the Mohammadan Law prevalent in
the country. In terms of divorce, or Talaq, a Muslim wife has a very limited right to end
her marriage. Following are the types of divorces that are present for women in
Muslims marriage:
i) Talaq-I-Tafwid: Talaq-I-Tafwid is a type of delegated divorce in which the right of
divorce is delegated to either wife or to any third person by the husband.
ii) Khula: In this, wife can give divorce to her husband by returning mehr or a portion
of it.
iii) Mubarat: In this type of divorce both wife and the husband desires to get divorced.
5) The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936: Matrimonial relations of Parsis are
governed by act known as Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. The Act defines the
term "Parsi" as a Parsi Zoroastrian. A Zoroastrian is someone who follows the
Zoroastrian religion. It has a racial connotation. Registration of marriages should be in
accordance with the procedures laid down under this act. Failure to meet those
standards, however, does not render a marriage illegitimate. The Act only allows for
monogamy. The scope of certain provisions of the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936
has been broadened with the introduction of Parsi Marriage and Divorce (Amendment)
Act, 1988. The aim of this amendment was to align it with Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 2001 amended Sections 39 and 49 of the Parsi
Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. The amendment states that the alimony amount for the
education or maintenance of minor child should be disposed of within 60 days from the
date of service of notice by either party.
6) Child Marriage: From 1 October 1978, the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929
stipulates that males must be 21 years old and females must be 18 years old to get
married.
7) The Indian Divorce Act, 1869: This act was established on 1 April 1869. This law is
applicable for all the states/ UTs of the country accept Jammu and Kashmir. This Act
modifies the law relating to the divorce of people who profess Christianity. It gives
selected courts the authority to resolve these disputes. This is the sole codified
legislation that governs Christian divorces. This law was first enacted by the British
before Independence, and it is still in effect today. Individuals who follow Christian faith
are covered under this Act. To apply for any remedy under the Act, the parties must also
 reside in India. The Indian Divorce Acts, Section 10, lays forth the reasons for a court to
terminate a marriage. The husband or wife must submit a petition with the District
Court in order to obtain a divorce or to formalise their marriage.
8) The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986: This law was
passed by Indian parliament in 1986. This law protects the rights of divorced Muslim
women as well as other interests therein. Any magistrate of the first class with
jurisdiction under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, administers it. The act states
that a within the period of iddah a reasonable and fair support must be provided to a
divorce Muslim woman from her former husband.
9) The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: This act was passed on 1 May, 1961. The goal of the
act was to prohibit the practice of giving or receiving dowry. Dowry involves property,
goods, or money given by either party to the marriage, or by anyone else in relation.
Every individual irrespective of their religion are covered under this act.

4.3. SUMMARY
1) When a resident or homeowner lives with one or more persons, related to him/her by
marriage, birth or any other relation, then it is considered as a family.
2) There are following characteristics of family:
i) Mating Relationship
ii) Form: of Marriage
iii) System of Nomenclature
iv) Economic Provision
v) Common Habitation
3) Some of the basic needs of family
i) Food
ii) Shelter
iii) Security
iv) Clothing
v) Effective Communication
vi) Education
vii)Access to Information Technology
viii) Health
ix) Love
x) Sex
4) In joint family system, every member of the family lives together and enjoys the family
income.
5) In anthropology and sociology, nuclear family is a group of individuals who are united
by parenthood and partnership and which consist of a pair of adults and their children.
6) Marriage is a union of two souls in which souls are united mentally, spiritually and
physically.
7) Some of the aims of marriage are:
i) Biological Aim
ii) Social Aim
iii) Economic Aims
iv) Psychological Aims
8) Types of marriages are as given below:
i) Monogamy
ii) Polygamy

4.4. EXERCISE
4.4.1. Multiple Choice Questions
1) According to_____________ "Family is a more or less durable association of husband and
wife with or without children or of a man or women alone with children".
a) Nikoff b) Kingsley Davis

c) Ralph Linton d) Maclver

2) Marriage of one man with one woman is called:

a) Polygamy b) Groupgamy

c) Monogamy d) Polyandry

3) When a man marries to more than one woman or a woman marries to more than one
man at a given time then is called as ____________:
a) Polyandry b) Monogamy

c) Polygyny d) Polygamy

4) Is_____________ form of marriage in which one man marries to more than one woman.
a) Polygyny b) Polygamy

c) Monogamy d) Exogamy

5) ____________a group which is composed of a wife, a husband and immature children that
represents a unit separate from the rest of the society.
a) Joint family b) Nuclear family

c) Bilocal family d) Bilineal family

6) Joint family is also known as _____________.

 a) Avunculocal family b) Patriarchal Family

c) Bilineal Family d) Extended family

7) Hindus believed that, children and marriage are essential for____________.

a) Moksha b) Karma

c) Samsara d) None of the above

8) ______________is a family in which the wife comes to live in the family of her husband after
the marriage.
a) Matrilocal Family b) Patrilocal family

c) Matriarchal Family d) Patriarchal Family

9) ______________is the form of marriage it is not essential that the husbands of the wife are
brothers to each other.
a) Polygamy b) Fraternal polyandry

c) Non-fraternal polyandry d) Monogamy

10)______________is a family in which the ancestry or descent is determined by the mother-

line and also continues through mother.
a) Matrilineal Family b) Neolocal Family

c) Avunculocal Family d) Bilineal Family

Answers:
1) a 2) c 3) d 4) a 5) b 6) d 7) a 8) b 9) c 10) a

4.4.1. Very Short Answer Type Questions

1) Define family.
2) What is joint family?
3) Define monogamy.
4) Define marriage.
5) What is Polygamy?

4.4.2. Short Answer Type Questions

1) Write the functions of family.
2) Write the characteristics of family.
3) Merits of joint family system.
4) Family is a basic unit of the society.
5) Explain forms of marriage?
6) Describe the social customs relating to marriage.
7) State the importance of marriage.
8) Write difference between nuclear family and joint family.

4.4.3. Long Answer Type Questions

1) Write the types of family.
2) Write down basic needs of family.
3) Discuss the various legislations on Indian marriage and Indian family.
4) Describe the influence of marriage on health and health practices.
5) What is the influence of marriage on health and health practices?