class 12 essay marriage as a social institution

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Marriage as a Social Institution Exercise Class 12 English: Question Answers

Marriage as a Social Institution Exercise Question Answers Class 12 English Book is here.  For complete notes of Class 12 English Book, go to this link -  Class 12 English Guide & Notes.

Understanding the Text

Answer the following Questions.

a. According to the author, what is marriage?

Ans: Marriage is the union of two people who are legally, morally, and culturally linked together and have a wide range of intimate personal relationships.

b. How is marriage an institution?

Ans: - Marriage is considered as institution because marriage is a social and legal structure that serves many social, economical, moral, lawful, political, psychological and biological functions for a community.

c. What are the rules that a marriage has?

Ans: Marriage is a complex set of principles that guarantee the rights of the spouses to each other and the rights of children within a society.

d. Why does marriage matter to men?

Ans: - Marriage matters to men because it gives them direction in life and helps them achieve their goals.

e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?

Ans: - In contemporary civilization, a major issue is putting reasonable limits on modern people's insatiable demands for well-being, luxury, opulence, and renown.

f. What does a social capital consist of?

Ans: - Social capital is made up of a vast network of people who are all connected together by a common connection of reliability and trustworthiness.

g. What is normative marriage?

Ans: - Normative marriage is the marriage which follows social norms and values. The six characteristics of normative marriage in the United States are, for example: marriages are joined freely by mature, heterosexual individuals; husbands are the primary earners; partners are sexually faithful; and parents are involved.

Reference to the Context

a. Discuss the six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.

Ans: - The six characteristics of normative marriage in the United States are, for example: marriages are joined freely by mature, heterosexual individuals; husbands are the primary earners; partners are sexually faithful; and parents are involved.   Every union adheres to a set of rules and patterns, and this is no different in the United States.   The idea of getting married is not pushed on you by anybody. In America, the type of marriage called as normative marriage follows six characteristics. The first point to make is that getting married is a personal choice. Both spouses must be loyal to one another, especially when it comes to sexual activity. The marital relationship must be heterosexual (opposite sexes). And it is only after getting married that they are able to have children of their own. Marriage occurs all throughout the world, although the definition varies from area to area. Every culture has its own set of marital rules and ideals. Whatever it is, it allows two people of opposite sexes the legal right to live together as life partners and satisfy each other's wishes. Adults are capable of managing their own marriages. Husbands will take over as the primary breadwinners after marriage. They're responsible for supporting large families.

b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?

Ans: - I am hindu and in Hinduism, here  are certain norms and values to be followed in marriage ceremony. For us, marriage is a social, spiritual, cultural and legal union between a man and a woman as husband and wife. However, the majority of people in Nepal practice marriage ceremony according to Hindu religion.    It is also establishment of relation between two families.  The differences can be observed not only across the country but there are varieties within a country. 

Marriage practices differ place to place.  The marriage practices of one geographic location are different to other even in our country.  Because we adhere to Hindu tradition while the United States adheres to Christian tradition, our marriage rituals vary from those in the West. In US, Church-provided vows are used by the bride and groom to declare their undying love and devotion to one another. He(one who mediates in marriage) then goes around the room and asks everyone if they can think of anything that would stop this pair from getting married. If no one disagrees, the couple will exchange rings as a sign of their unending love and devotion to one another. With their first kiss, the pair publicly proclaims themselves as husband and wife for the first time. A religious authority officiates at the wedding ceremony, which takes place in a religious structure called a church, however in Hinduism, marriage are done through the traditional or residential houses or even in Hindu temples.

Reference beyond the text 

a. Write an essay on the marriage practice in your own culture.

I belong to Hindu religion, and we have our own rules of marriage. There are various types of marriage in our societies, including monogamy, in which one person is allowed to have only one spouse, serial monogamy, in which one spouse remarries after the death or divorce of the first spouse, polygamy, in which one person has multiple spouses, polyandry, in which one wife has multiple husbands, and polygyny, in which one husband has multiple wives, endogamy, in which one marriage is within a group, and exogamy, in which one The idea of marriage is evolving rapidly. For example, our culture today accepts transgender marriage, a relationship that was formerly taboo. Marriage is more than just a way to satisfy a sexual urge between two adults of different sexes.

No one in our culture considers marriage to be a social contract. It's a legally recognized union between a mature man and a mature woman for reproduction, pleasure, and social obligations. A girl's and a boy's party organize an engagement. Before choosing one another, the couples exchange rings and garlands. In this event, family priests chant mantra and perform rites. The wedding date is also fixed the same day. At the day of marriage, The bridegroom is followed by a musical ensemble named 'Janti.' 'Saipata', a group of women bearing trays full of food and gifts, leads Janti. On that day, the bride's family priests perform the wedding ceremony at her house. The whole procession passes through the groom's home's Mandap or Jagey. 

In Hinduism, the Pandit, or priest, is the most respected person. The priest instructs numerous actions in the Mandap's center holy fire. The bridegroom pours vermillion powder on her head and puts a holy necklace around her neck in addition to the seven times around the sacred fire. The most apparent indications of a married lady are 'Sindur' crimson face powder and 'Pote' holy jewelry. Everyone in the family and society wished them luck on their marriage. The bride will leave her parents' home at the end of the day. This is the movie's most emotional scene. Most of the bride's family members cried as they left. The newlyweds are warmly welcomed at the bridegroom's household. A huge throng has gathered to watch the new bridegroom, who has ceased singing and dancing. So the newlyweds start a new life together.

There are different methods of marriage from culture to culture. However, in every marriages, People of both sexes satisfy their wants and aspirations through being accepted into society and adhering to societal norms and values. In the past, child marriage was acceptable, but not anymore. Widow marriage is now allowed, and transgender marriage is now lawful, giving the offspring born to the married pair legal privileges such as birth registration and citizenship certification.

Definition of marriage as a social institution differs from people to people. The idea of marriage is fluid because of the differences between the traditional marital system and the one in use today. Generally speaking, a marriage is described as a legally binding union between two individuals of different sexes who have a personal connection, live together as a couple, work together, have children, and satisfy each other's sexual needs. 

The term "marriage" has been defined precisely by sociologists. Since the dawn of human civilisation, it has been practiced by every nation, every community, and every group. It will last till the end of human civilization, since it is eternal. Institutions like this are set up by people to lawfully meet their demands from various persons, places, and things. We see it as a formal entity due to its adherence to long-established rules, customs, patterns and conventions that are critical to a society's well-being. In every culture, people marry each other.

Also Read: Summary of Marriage as a Social Institution by Stephen L. Nock

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Marriage as a Social Institution Summary and Exercise - Learn Note

Class 12 english marriage as a social institution summary.

In this essay 'Marriage as a Social Institution' , the author Stephen L. Nock examines the national marriage debate by reviewing the social and demographic trends that have changed the role of marriage and the family. 

He views that marriage and parenthood are private matters, relevant only to the individuals directly involved. 

He points out the programs that have strengthened marital relationships, lowered divorce rates, reduced out-of-wedlock births, and encouraged responsible fatherhood.

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Marriage as a Social Institution Summary

In his essay, "Marriage as a Social Institution," Stephen L. Nock talks about why marriage is important. He says it's not just a promise between two people but like a special club with rules.

Marriage is different from just being friends or living together. It has clear rules that help couples stay happy. These rules are like a guide for how to live together and make good choices.

Nock explains that marriage provides a structure to people's lives. It helps control their desires and ambitions, making sure they focus on what's important. This idea is not new; it goes back to a thinker named Emile Durkheim, who said marriage protects people from uncontrollable feelings.

The essay also mentions how some people choose not to get married. Instead, they live together without these rules. Nock highlights that married people have clear expectations and commitments enforced by laws, religion, and customs.

Nock introduces the idea of marriage as a type of "capital," like a valuable resource. Through marriage, people connect to others with shared responsibilities. This connection is important for support and exchanging useful information.

The essay talks about normative marriage, which means following the usual rules. These rules include choosing to marry, having specific roles, being faithful, and becoming parents. Nock says these rules help control behaviors and make sure everyone is happy.

In summary, Nock's essay helps us understand that marriage is like a special club with important rules. These rules guide couples, provide support, and make sure everyone is on the same page for a happy life together.

Marriage as a Social Institution Class 12 Exercise and Question Answer

Understanding the text 

Answer the following questions.

Reference to the context

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Marriage As A Social Institution Excercise: Class 12 Essay Solution

Marriage as a social institution essay summary.

In the essay, the essayist presents his views that marriage is an institution, culturally patterned and integrated into other basic social institutions, such as education, the economy and politics.

Marriage has rules that establish soft boundaries around the relationships and influence the partners in many ways. In the essay, the essayist cits the statement of Emile Durkheim – a French sociologist that marriage matters to men because it provides structure to their lives and organizes their ambitions and also plays a protective role to prevent suicide. Durkheim further believed that marriage benefits men as it restrains their uncontrollable impulses and the marriage forms the state of moral equilibrium from which the men benefits.

Though it can be argued that two people can enjoy a harmonious and happy life without being married because they are free from the rules of marriage and unmarried couples can support each other and enjoy their freedom without any restrictions, however, they have to deal with some problems, such as – lack of commitment from the partner, whom can this couple count on for help in times of need as well as the difficulty to introduce one-another in the society. And contrary to this, marriage makes a relationship intense and the couples help and do activities for each other. They have certain responsibilities for each other, relatives, their children, etc. The couples are expected to fulfill these responsibilities. The relationship is social so they can easily introduce their partner to people which is lacked by cohabiting couples. This is because their relationship is not socially established and not considered as an institution.

The essayist in the essay further views ‘marriage as a form of capital’. He argues marriage is a type of social capital that is in intangible form, unlike physical capital which is in tangible form. However, marriage as a social capital too can facilitate productive activity as do the physical and human capital, as further in-text cited by Coleman, 1988: Social capital is produced in relationships predicted on the belief that obligations will be incurred and repaid. The couples get connected to the new kins and make relationships that are woven with threads of obligations. The couples can get assistance when they are in difficulties. The institution of marriage, therefore, is an individual asset.

The essayist in the text presents the six dimensions of marriage in America. These dimensions comprise of: 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.

Eventually, Stephen Nock at the end of the essay concludes that normative marriage is a form of social control by which behaviours and aspirations are channelled appropriately. It is a force greater than the individuals involved because it represents the collective sentiments of others. And most importantly, the institution of marriage, therefore, is an individual asset.

Marriage As A Social Institution Exercises Solution

Understanding the Text 

Answer the following questions.

a.According to the Author, what is marriage? 

Ans.: Marriage is a relationship between two spouses defined by legal, moral and conventional assumptions.

b.How is marriage an institution? 

Ans.: Marriage is called an institution because it joins together a man and a woman in a special kind of social and legal arrangement that serves several purposes for society.

c.What are the rules that a marriage has ? 

Ans: Marriage has rules that originate outside any particular union of two spouses and that establish soft boundaries around the relationship that influence the partners in many ways.

d.Why does marriage matter to men ? 

Ans.: Marriage matters to men because it provides structure to their lives and organizes their ambitions.

e.What is one of the central problems in modern society ?

Ans.: One of the central problems in modern society is establishing legitimate boundaries around different desires like well-being, comfort, luxury and prestige.

f. What does social capital consist of ? 

Ans.: Social capital consists of extensive networks of individuals linked by bonds of trustworthiness and trust and also embeds individuals in networks that channel valued knowledge and information among all members.

g. What is normative marriage ? Explain. 

Ans.: Normative marriage is a form of social control, a way by which behaviours and aspirations are channelled appropriately.

Reference to the context

a.Discuss six dimensions that define normative marriage in America.

Ans.: The six dimensions that define normative marriage in America as presented in the text can be listed as below:

Marriage occurs voluntarily.

Marriage takes place between the matures.

Marriage takes place between the heterosexual adults.

It is expected that the principal earner will be husband.

Both the partners will be sexually faithful.

The married partners will become parents.

b.Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America ? 

Ans.: Yes, marriages differ according to culture. Individuals with different cultural backgrounds may encounter opposing values as a significant obstacle in their marriage. This difficulty can manifest itself in their expectations in approaching daily responsibilities, celebrating holidays, pursuing careers, child-rearing duties, and the personal sacrifices they should make for the sake of their marriage.

The marriage practice according to the tradition of the U.S. wedding would take place in a religious building such as a church or cathedral, with a religious leader, termed as ‘a father’ officiating the ceremony. During the ceremony, the bride and groom vow their love and

No commitment for one another with church-provided vows. With the agreement and if objection is found, the couple then exchange rings, which symbolizes their never-ending love and commitment towards one another. Finally, for the first time in public, the couples are pronounced husband and wife. It is then that they share their first kiss as a married couple and thus seal their union. The couple leaves the building, and family and friends throw rice or wheat their way, which symbolizes fertility.

However talking about the marriage custom in Nepal, the marriage ceremony usually takes place at the house of the bride and then followed at the house of the groom. Some marriages even take place at religious sites such as temples. There are a number of religious and cultural functions to be performed as directed by a Hindu priest called ‘Pandit’ or ‘Pujari – no matter the marriage is taking place in the house or in the temple. The bridegroom along with family members, friends, relatives and neighbours, often termed as ‘janti’ visits the house of the bride, performs religious functions together with the bride’s family and relatives. The ritual is performed by revolving around the sacred fire seven times with the knot tied between the couples indicating the seven lives of togetherness. The marriage ritual is completed when the groom puts sindur (red vermillion powder) on the bride’s head and potey or tihlari (a holy necklace) around the neck. After this, the bride’s father along with other relatives washes the feet of the wedded couple and family members will bless them with tika on the forehead and gifts. Finally, the married couple along with the Janti departs from the bride’s house dancing and celebrating.

Reference beyond the text

a.Write an essay on the marriage practice in your own culture. 

Marriage Practice in Our Culture

In my culture, the arranged marriage based on Hindu rituals is practised by most people. In my culture, once the son or daughter comes at the age of marriage, the parents look for the appropriate groom or bride through relatives or people they know and it can be often facilitated by a middle man called ‘Lami’ in Nepali. And, if the suitable groom or bride is found, then the parents go to the astrologers or priests, often termed as ‘Pandit’ in my culture in order to consult and check and confirm whether the bride and the groom are made for each other or not. For this purpose, both the bride and the groom’s star signs and zodiacs are matched. If everything goes fine, the weddings start with the determination of the precise date set by the astrologers. They can be held only during certain auspicious seasons and tithis (time) which fall from. Weddings embrace the rich cultural tradition stretching over several days. The ceremony starts after having an engagement often termed as Tika-tala, when the bride and groom exchange rings and garland and promise that they will be loyal to marriage.

On the day of marriage, the groom will go to the bride’s home with his family, friends and relatives (who are termed as Janti in Nepali culture). The janti is led by the group of women carrying trays with foods and gifts (called ‘Saipata’) for the bride’s family. There is a the groom and the group of people performing dance. On the arrival of Janti at the bride’s traditional music band of Nepal played in marriage called ‘Panche Baja’. Behind them, are house, they are welcomed by the parents and relatives of the bride. The Saipata is handed to the bride’s family and Janti is welcomed with the feast called Janti Bhoj’ (marriage party). The groom is taken to Jaggey’ or ‘Mandap’ (the place to perform the wedding ritual). After this, the wedding ceremony starts with the Swayambar where the bride and the groom not dry thus indicating the relationship will never break or dry. exchange their rings and garland made of doobo. Doobo is a certain type of grass that does

The most important person at the wedding ceremony is ‘Pandit’ (priest). The Pandit performs the marriage ceremony by chanting the mantras (religious hymns) through the holy book. The marriage ceremony is interesting due to the different rituals performed in front of the sacred fire. There are numerous instructions for the couples while performing the ceremony guided by the Pandit. The ritual is performed by revolving around the sacred fire for seven times with the knot tied between the couples indicating the seven lives of togetherness. The marriage ritual is completed when the groom puts sindur (red vermillion powder) on the bride’s head and potey or Tihlari (a holy necklace) around the neck. Sindur and potey have a great significance for married women in Nepal. After this, the bride’s father along with other relatives washes the feet of the wedded couple and family members will bless them with tika on the forehead and gifts.

The groom at his wedding ceremony wears Daura Suruwal with Dhaka Topi – considered as the national dress of Nepal and the bride wears heavy gold jewellery and red sari and blouse and a sparkling ghumto (veil) that covers her face. The most touching scene is observed during ‘Kanyadaan’ when the bride’s parents perform the ritual of handling the responsibility of their daughter to the groom. And, at last, the laughter and happiness of marriage turn into an emotional departure as the shedding of tears begin as the farewell ritual starts. Finally, the married couple along with the Janti departs from the bride’s house dancing and celebrating with Panche Baja.

b.Is marriage a social institution? Discuss.

Ans.: Marriage is a formal union and social and legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically and emotionally. In my opinion, marriage is a social institution – a universal social institution. Marriage is called an institution because it joins together a man and a woman in a special kind of social and legal arrangement that serves several purposes for society. Marriage is an institution, culturally patterned and integrated into other basic social institutions, such as education, the economy and politics. Marriage has rules that establish soft boundaries around the relationships and influence the partners in many ways Any institution requires some rules and regulations to be abided by and a person who is part of such an institution has to carry out some of the responsibilities. So is the case with marriage and the married couples and the married couples have some responsibilities and duties to be endowed. As intuition’ provides economic and security-related benefits, so does the marriage even if the capital provided by marriage is in the form of social capital. However, we cannot undermine the importance of social security since this type of security can facilitate productive activity and promotes security throughout life.

In addition to this, employees as part of the institution have to dedicate their time and effort to the institution, so have to be done by the couples in order to maintain their marriage and maintained well. In addition to this, marriage is provided status, acceptance and social security by the society the couples live in. Hence, we can argue that marriage is a social institution.