Final answer:
Marriage is a legally recognized social contract that varies across cultures. Different cultures have different requirements for a legal union and different views on the importance of marriage. The connection between marriage and culture is evident in the ways societies practice and view marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marriage can be defined as a legally recognized social contract between two people, traditionally based on a sexual relationship and implying a permanence of the union. However, the definition of marriage varies across cultures. For example, some cultures allow for more than two people to be involved in a marriage, while others have different requirements for a legal union. The connection between marriage and culture is evident in the ways that different societies view and practice marriage. In some cultures, marriages are arranged by families, while in others, marriage is based on romantic love. The social importance of marriage also varies across cultures, with some societies placing an emphasis on the obligations of remarriage. Overall, marriage is a universal institution that plays a significant role in shaping social structures and relationships.