Marriage as a Social Institution Summary and Exercise: Questions & Answers | Class 12 English notes NEB
Marriage as a Social Institution by Stephen L. Nock
Summary for Class 12 NEB Students
Stephen L. Nock was an American sociologist and family researcher who examined the role and meaning of marriage in modern society. In his essay Marriage as a Social Institution, Nock explores how marriage functions not just as a personal bond between two people, but also as a structured social system that influences individuals and wider communities. The essay discusses both traditional expectations and evolving trends in relationships, encouraging readers to understand marriage from both personal and societal perspectives.
In the essay, Nock argues that marriage is more than the union of two individuals; it is a social institution supported by legal, moral, and cultural norms. When a couple marries, they enter into a relationship recognized by society with defined roles and responsibilities. Married partners interact with family, culture, and social expectations, shaping their lives in ways that go beyond personal choice. Traditional marriage typically involves mutual responsibilities such as fidelity and parenting, and it often assigns roles within the household. The essay posits that marriage offers men structure, purpose, and direction in life, facilitating the development of character and responsibility as they age.
The essay also touches on changing social patterns such as unmarried cohabitation, where couples live together without marriage. Nock points out that such arrangements may lack the legal recognition, social support, and defined obligations associated with formal marriage. Marriage, as a social institution, thus connects individuals not only through emotional bonds but also through shared norms, traditions, and expectations that influence behaviour and relationships. By examining these dynamics, the essay highlights how marriage plays a vital role in organizing social life and shaping individual aspirations within a community.
Main Ideas / Important Points
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Marriage as institution: A structured system with social, legal, and cultural significance that shapes behaviour and relationships.
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Personal and societal roles: Marriage defines roles within the family and the broader society, influencing identity and responsibilities.
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Benefits and expectations: Traditionally, marriage brings stability, shared responsibilities, and social recognition.
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Changing patterns: Modern trends such as cohabitation differ from marriage in terms of legal and social recognition.
Glossary
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Institution (n.): an established system or practice that is accepted and upheld by society.
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Norms (n.): accepted rules or standards of behaviour in a society.
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Cohabitation (n.): living together without being legally married.
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Fidelity (n.): faithfulness to a partner in marriage.
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Social structure (n.): patterns of relationships and systems that organize society.
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Cultural norms (n.): shared beliefs and values that guide behaviour in a community.
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Role (n.): the expected behaviour associated with a position in society.
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Responsibility (n.): a duty or obligation that someone must fulfil.
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Recognition (n.): acceptance or acknowledgement by society or law.
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Tradition (n.): customs and practices passed down over time.
Before Reading
a. What types of marriages are in practice in your culture?
In my culture, the common types of marriages include:
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Arranged marriage – where families play a major role in selecting partners
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Love marriage – where individuals choose their own partners
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Court marriage – legally registered marriage without traditional rituals
b. Do you think marriages are different from culture to culture?
Yes, marriages vary across cultures. Each society has its own traditions, values, rituals, and expectations regarding marriage.
Understanding the Text
a. According to the author, what is marriage?
Marriage is a union of two spouses defined by legal, moral, and conventional assumptions. It involves a long-lasting commitment between partners and carries social, cultural, and legal significance.
b. How is marriage an institution?
Marriage is an institution because it is a patterned social structure that interacts with other societal institutions such as education, economics, and politics. It establishes rules, expectations, and roles for individuals within society.
c. What are the rules that a marriage has?
Marriage has a system of understood principles that organize and sustain relationships. These rules:
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Define acceptable behavior within the marriage
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Distinguish marriage from other types of relationships
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Regulate rights, duties, and responsibilities of spouses
d. Why does marriage matter to men (or humans in general)?
Marriage provides structure to life, organizes ambitions, and ensures emotional, social, and economic stability for the spouses.
e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?
A central problem is establishing legitimate boundaries around modern human desires for comfort, luxury, prestige, and personal well-being.
f. What does social capital consist of?
Social capital consists of networks of individuals connected by trust, cooperation, and shared norms.
g. What is normative marriage? Explain.
Normative marriage is a marriage based on established societal norms and values. In the USA, it is characterized by:
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Marriage entered voluntarily by mature adults
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Heterosexual union
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Husband as principal earner
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Sexual faithfulness of partners
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Parenthood only within marriage
Reference to the Context
a. Discuss six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.
In the USA, normative marriage is defined by:
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Voluntary participation – both partners choose to marry
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Heterosexual relationship – marriage is between a man and a woman
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Principal earner – traditionally, the husband earns the main income
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Sexual fidelity – partners remain faithful to each other
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Parenthood – children are born and raised within the marriage
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Legal and social recognition – marriage follows legal, cultural, and religious norms
b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?
Yes, marriage practices differ across cultures. In Nepal, particularly among Hindus:
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Marriage unites not only two individuals but also two families
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Ceremonies are conducted by a priest, either at home or in a temple
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Rituals include engagement, garland exchange, vows, seven rounds around the sacred fire, sindur (vermillion), and necklace (mangalsutra)
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The bride traditionally moves to the groom’s house after marriage
In contrast, in the USA:
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Most marriages follow Christian traditions
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Ceremonies are conducted in churches
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Couples exchange vows and rings to symbolize eternal love and commitment
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Marriage emphasizes personal choice and mutual consent rather than family involvement
Reference Beyond the Text
a. Essay on the Marriage Practices in Your Own Culture
Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, usually between a man and a woman. It is governed by laws, customs, and religious beliefs, defining the rights and responsibilities of the partners and their offspring. Beyond fulfilling physical or emotional needs, marriage strengthens social bonds and preserves cultural traditions.
In Hindu culture, marriage is considered a religious sacrament. Pre-marriage ceremonies include engagements where couples exchange rings and garlands. On the wedding day, rituals performed by a priest include seven rounds around the sacred fire, sindur application, and the bride receiving a holy necklace. After the ceremony, the bride joins the groom’s household, symbolizing the start of their married life together.
Different types of marriages exist, such as monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, endogamy, and exogamy. Modern society also recognizes transgender marriages, reflecting evolving social norms. Marriage, therefore, is a dynamic institution adapting to social, legal, and cultural changes while maintaining its core purpose of union and commitment.
b. Is marriage a social institution? Discuss
Yes, marriage is a social institution because it follows established laws, conventions, and social patterns. It organizes human relationships, regulates behavior, and provides structure and stability to society. Spouses fulfill their roles according to societal norms, and the institution sets boundaries that distinguish marriage from other relationships. Marriage has been practiced universally since the beginning of human civilization and continues to evolve with changing social, cultural, and legal contexts. It plays a crucial role in maintaining social order, continuity, and cohesion.
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