Final answer:
Marriage is a legally recognized social contract between two people, traditionally based on a sexual relationship and implying permanence of the union. It can take various forms and serve multiple functions, such as raising offspring and creating alliances. Different societies have different customs and views on marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marriage is a legally recognized social contract between two people, traditionally based on a sexual relationship and implying permanence of the union. It can take various forms, such as a religious or civil union, and can involve more than two people or same-sex couples.
Marriage serves multiple functions, including providing the formal structure to raise and nurture offspring and creating alliances between individuals, families, and social networks. Different societies have different customs and views on marriage, influenced by cultural norms and teachings.