Class 12 English Essay Marriage as a Social Institution

The six dimensions that define normative marriage in America are: marriages are entered voluntarily by mature, heterosexual adults with the expectation that husbands will be the principal earners, that both partners will be sexually faithful, and that married partners will become parents. Although many marriages depart from these ideals, the ideals still constitute the core of normative marriage as it is expressed in law, religion, and custom.

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. Much of the meaning of marriage in men’s lives will be found in these rules. Together, these six premises provide a working definition of marriage that will inform the rest of this sociological work.

Marriage practices vary extensively across cultures. Every culture has its own distinct way of conducting marriage according to their traditions and customs. Most cultures share common customs and practices, while some cultures have uniquely specific practices. Even within our country, the marriage practices of one geographical place differ greatly from those of others. However, the Hindu religion is practiced by the majority of Nepalese people.

Marriage practices in Nepal are totally different than in America. In American culture, formal marriage practices are not always deemed strictly necessary, and couples are free to choose; to follow common traditions or to choose a combination of practices. The current American society does not always prioritize the institution of marriage as strongly as it does career and financial matters. In contrast, Nepal considers the marriage institution as exceptionally important, treating it with profound respect by all in the society. The importance of the marriage institution is evident from the elaborate rituals that have remained consistent in the Nepalese culture.

In Nepal, most marriages are historically arranged by the parents, whereas in America, couples predominantly choose their partners themselves. Marriage not only connects the two individuals (boy and girl), but deeply unites two different families. There is equal, massive involvement of the parents of the couple for the marriage ritual in Nepal. In this way, the marriage practices significantly differ in our culture compared to America.

(Here is an example essay on marriage practices, written by Ritu:)

Marriage Practice in My Culture

Marriage is the social, spiritual, cultural, and legal union between a man and a woman as husband and wife. Nepal has a wide variety of ethnicity and tribal populations, giving incredible diversity to the rituals and practices involved in weddings. However, the majority of marriages in Nepal are conducted either according to Hindu traditions or Buddhist traditions. I am from the Hindu culture.

In my culture, the groom and his family, along with neighbors, relatives, and a music band, leave for the bride’s house on the wedding day. The group of people along with the groom and music band is called ‘Janti’. The janti is led by a group of women carrying trays with foods and gifts (called ‘Saipata’) for the bride’s family. There is a traditional music band that plays traditional musical instruments called ‘Panche Baja’. Behind them are the groom and the group of people performing a joyous dance. The core wedding ceremony is performed at the bride’s house. On the arrival of the janti at the bride’s house, they are welcomed warmly by the parents and relatives of the bride. The saipata is handed to the bride’s family and the janti is welcomed with a grand feast called ‘Janti Bhoj’ (marriage party). The groom is then taken to the ‘Jaggey’ or ‘Mandap’ (the decorated place to perform the wedding ritual).

The most important person of the wedding ceremony is the ‘Pundit’ (priest). The Pundit performs the marriage ceremony by chanting sacred ‘mantras’ from the holy books. The marriage ceremony is deeply interesting due to different rituals performed in front of the sacred fire. There are numerous instructions for the couples while performing the ceremony guided by the Pundit. A key ritual is performed by revolving around the sacred fire for seven times with a knot tied between the couple, indicating the seven lifetimes of togetherness. The marriage ritual is officially completed when the groom puts ‘Sindur’ (red vermillion powder) on the bride’s head and places a ‘Potey’ or ‘Tilari’ (a holy necklace) around her neck. Sindur and Potey have massive significance for married women in my culture. After this, the bride’s father washes the feet of the wedded couple, and all the relatives and family members will bless them with ‘Tika’ on their foreheads and offer gifts. Finally, the married couple along with the janti departs from the bride’s house, dancing and celebrating with Panche baja.

The wedded couples are subsequently welcomed in the groom’s house by the groom’s family. A lot of entertainment activities and celebration are carried out at the groom’s house, an event called “Ratyauli”. Ratyauli is a joyous celebration at the groom’s house which includes singing, dancing, and often starts a day before the wedding. The marriage ritual is thus the most important as well as entertaining ritual since the whole family members and relatives are heavily involved. The wedded couple starts their new life by sharing their feelings, bodies, culture, and love for eternity. In this way, the couple beautifully begins their newly wed life in my culture.

Yes, marriage is definitively a social institution. The essay Class 12 English Essay Marriage as a Social Institution helps illustrate this. It defines a personal form of relationship between a man and a woman who make a long-lasting, socially recognized commitment to each other. Marriage is a unique social institution that could be interpreted and defined in a variety of forms and characterizations across human history.

In an emotional aspect, marriage can be generalized as being in a romantic love relationship in which it is legally monogamous. Although sharing an emotional bond with a significant other is important, there are several practical factors that must be taken into consideration when making a decision to get married. A couple must understand the depths of marriage in terms of survival and societal stability. This emphasizes the realistic aspect of marriage which involves shared money and resources. Affording a house, a family, and the necessary items to accommodate the institution can accumulate. With the right education and career, middle and upper-class couples’ divorce rates have generally decreased, and their marital happiness is consistent along with family structure.

Marriage is a socially approved courtship between two individuals in which the relationship involves sexual and economic benefits that is assumed to be permanent and includes mutual rights and obligations enforced by society. It is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted to live together without losing their status in the community. Marriage is not merely concerned with the couple; rather it affects the whole society and future generations. The responsibilities it entrusts a couple with are thus both heavy and delicate.

In the Hindu view, marriage is not a concession to human weakness, but a vital means for spiritual growth. A man and a woman are soul mates who, through the institution of marriage, can direct the energy associated with their individual instincts and passions into the broader progress of their souls. So, considering the legal, cultural, and spiritual frameworks that surround it, I firmly think that marriage is a profound social institution.