Final answer:
Marriage is a socially recognized union that serves various functions in different societies, such as raising offspring, creating alliances, and providing political and economic advantages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marriage is the formation of a socially recognized union that serves multiple functions in different societies. It provides a structure for raising and nurturing offspring, creates alliances between individuals and families, and offers political and economic advantages. For example, in some cultures, marriage serves as a way to strengthen political ties between families or to acquire land or wealth. It is important to note that the meaning of marriage can vary greatly across cultures and time periods.