Types of Marriage | Anthropology Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Types of Marriage

Marriage is a union of two individuals belonging to different sex with the approval of the society.
However, the degree and approach to marriage differs from society or from community to community.

Monogamy

• It is a form of marriage in which one man marries one woman. It is the most widespread and civilized form of marriage. Aristotle has only recommended monogamous marriage.
• A believer of monogamy essentially expects his/her, partner, to love him/her and cooperate with him/her to make a life. He/she also expects that to be the only one that his/her partner who has kids. This in turn implies that the partner should not be sexually involved with anyone outside the relationship.

Types of Monogamy:

It is also of two types as follows;

• Straight Monogamy: This is the type of marriage in which straight monogamy man and woman can not marry again in case of divorce or case of spouse death.
• Serial Monogamy: In serial monogamy man and woman can marry another person in case of divorce and death of a spouse.

Advantages of monogamy

• Universally Practicable: Monogamy gives a one-to-one ratio so can provide marital opportunity and satisfaction to all individuals. This form of marriage is universally practicable in different countries.
• Economically better suited: No man having ordinary income can think of practicing polyandry as he has a very low income. So, monogamy can adjust itself to poverty. E.g. Even though Koran permits a Muslim to have four wives at a time but no ordinary Muslim can think of marrying four wives.
• Promotes better Understanding between Husband and Wife: Monogamy produces the highest type of love and satisfaction between husband and wife. It contributes to family peace, solidarity, and happiness. E.g. Vatsayana an authority on “Kama Sutra” remarked, “At best a man can only please one woman physically, mentally and spiritually. Therefore, a man who enters into marriage relations with more than one woman, voluntarily courts unhappiness and misery”.
• Contributes to Stable family and sex life: Monogamy is more stable and long-lasting and is free from conflicts that are commonly found in polyandrous and polygynous families. It does not give opportunity for having extra-marital sex relationships because sex relations are more strictly prohibited.
• Helps to better Socialization: Since husbands and wives have a better understanding, they can give greater attention to the socialization of their children. Children are well looked after and the parents can give special attention to them.

Polygamy

Polygamy is a form of marriage in which one man or woman marries two or more women or men. It is a less common form of marriage.

Types of Polygamy:

It’s also of two types as follows; polygyny and polyandry,

i. Polygyny: Polygyny is the form of marriage in which one man marries more than one woman at a given time. This type of marriage was mostly practiced in ancient civilizations. Still, in some societies like Korea, Muslims can have four wives at a time if they want. This type of marriage is practiced in Nagas of India, Crow Indians, Eskimo tribes, Hidasta of North America, etc.

Types of Polygyny:

• Sororal Polygyny: Sororal is a type of polygyny form of marriage in which one man marries two or more wives who are related as sisters.
• Non-Sororal Polygyny: Non-Sororal is a type of polygyny form of marriage in which one man marries two or more wives who are not related as sisters.

Causes of Practicing Polygyny:

• The practice of polygyny becomes common in a society where there are more women as compared to men which creates an imbalance in the sex ratio.
• People practice polygyny for economic benefit. In some of the African Tribes like Longas and Thongas people practice polygyny thinking that women can contribute to family income.
• Many people practice polygyny marriage to enjoy sex life with multiple wives because sex relation with a woman during her menstrual, pregnancy, and lactation periods is taboo in many societies.
• Many people practice polygyny because of the childlessness of the first wife.

Disadvantages of Polygyny

• Having more wives leads to more no. children which increase the economic burden on the head of the family as he has to support the family.
• In polygyny, the children cannot be looked after because too many of them are to be looked after.
• In polygyny, there occurs jealousy among the wives and their children leading to conflict in the family.
• Because the conflict destroys family happiness.
• In these types of marriages, the women possess a lower position in the family as there are more no. women.

ii. Polyandry

• When one woman is married to more than one man is called polyandry. This type of marriage still exists in some African and Indian tribes.

Types of Polyandry:

Polyandry is further divided into two types;

• Fraternal Polyandry: When brothers take one woman as a wife is called fraternal polyandry. This type of marriage is still practiced by the tribe of India namely the Todas tribe.
• Non-Fraternal Polyandry: In non-fraternal polyandry husbands of women are not related to one another. It’s up to the woman, whichever husband she chose to live with.

Endogamy (also called inter-marriage)

• Endogamy is a form of marriage when one marries someone from inside one’s immediate social group i.e. marriage within one’s own tribe, caste, kin group. Endogamy is common among aristocracies, religious groups, ethnic groups, and social classes. Endogamy based on caste exists in Nepal and India.

Exogamy (also called out-marriage)

• Exogamy is a form of marriage when one marries someone from outside one’s immediate social group i.e. marriage outside of one’s tribe, caste or kin group.
• Anthropologists assert that exogamy is done in areas in which cooperation between differing tribes is necessary for survival. For instance, if one tribe only hunts, and another tribe only plants, the best way for them to ensure sharing is to marry off members of the society to one another.
• An excellent example of exogamy is the Rani Khera village of India, in which women from far and near villages travel to Rani Khera to marry its men. Kung tribesman of Africa travels at least 40 miles to find a wife. Note: The word comes from the Greek, from exo + gamos which means “outside marriage’.

Group Marriage

• In group marriage, a group of women marries a group of men. All of them have common wives and husbands.

Conclusion

• Marriage is a social institution that unites individuals and is recognized by society. There are various types of marriages, including monogamy, polygamy (polygyny and polyandry), endogamy, exogamy, and group marriage. Monogamy is the most common and widely accepted form of marriage, where one man marries one woman. Polygamy, although less common, involves one individual marrying multiple partners.
• Endogamy and exogamy refer to marriages within and outside one's social group, respectively. Group marriage, a rare form of marriage, involves a group of men and women marrying each other. Each type of marriage has its unique cultural, social, and economic implications, and the choice of marriage type often depends on various factors such as tradition, religion, and societal norms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Types of Marriage

What is the difference between monogamy and polygamy?

Monogamy is a form of marriage where one man marries one woman, whereas polygamy is a form of marriage where one individual marries two or more partners. Polygamy can be further divided into polygyny (one man marries multiple women) and polyandry (one woman marries multiple men).

What are endogamy and exogamy?

Endogamy is a form of marriage where individuals marry someone from within their immediate social group, such as within their tribe, caste, or kin group. Exogamy, on the other hand, is a form of marriage where individuals marry someone from outside their immediate social group.

What is group marriage and how is it different from other types of marriage?

Group marriage is a rare form of marriage where a group of men and women marry each other, sharing common wives and husbands. This type of marriage is different from other forms of marriage, such as monogamy and polygamy, as it involves multiple men and women marrying each other, rather than one individual marrying one or multiple partners.

Why do some societies practice polygamy instead of monogamy?

Some societies practice polygamy due to various factors, such as imbalances in the sex ratio, economic benefits, cultural and religious beliefs, or the desire for multiple sexual partners. Polygamy can also be practiced if the first wife is childless, leading the husband to marry another woman to have children.