Final answer:
Societies that consider marriage a matter of individual choice rather than group involvement reflect individualistic ideals primarily observed in Western cultures like the US. Marriage patterns and definitions vary widely across cultures and time, reflecting socioeconomic, religious, and cultural influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individual-oriented societies view marriage as a union based on the mutual feelings and decisions of the individuals involved, rather than on group or familial arrangements. In the United States, people tend to see marriage as a choice between two people, whereas in other cultures, marriages might be arranged by families or even through processes like mail-order brides. However, the concept of marriage in the US and many Western countries has evolved, with legal recognition of same-sex marriages reflecting expanding notions of what marriage can be. Societies across time have defined and practiced marriage in diverse ways, shaped by cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors.
In modern urban Western societies like the US, there's an ongoing debate around the concept of marriage. Some people, primarily religious and social conservatives, believe marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Conversely, social liberals and progressives argue that marriage should be a legally recognized union between two consenting adults, regardless of their gender, advocating for the civil, social, and economic benefits that come with the institution of marriage.
Sociologists and anthropologists note that all societies have their unique marriage customs and patterns, which are subject to change as cultures evolve and adapt to social change. For example, in Iceland, almost 70 percent of children were born to unmarried but committed couples, reflecting the shifting landscape of family dynamics in modern society. All these aspects highlight how marriage patterns are influenced by societal structures and individual choices within cultural contexts.