Final answer:
The statement that marriage is a flexible arrangement cross-culturally is true, as it has adapted to serve a range of social, economic, and political functions in various cultures worldwide. The institution of marriage encompasses diverse practices, evolves with societal changes, and is influenced by cultural norms, including rules of endogamy and exogamy.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: Cross-culturally, marriage is a very flexible arrangement that can handle social, economic, and even political needs. This statement is largely true. Across different cultures, marriage has adapted to serve a versatile array of functions beyond the relationship of the individuals involved. For instance, in Central African regions, marriage practices can range from arranged unions to marriages between individuals of different ethnic backgrounds, especially in urban areas. Furthermore, marriage structures may vary greatly, with forms such as monogamy and polygamy adapting to societal needs, such as workforce requirements in farming communities. In Western societies, the concept of marriage continues to evolve, for example, in Iceland, a considerable number of children are born to unmarried but committed couples, reflecting changing societal norms about family structures. The U.S. has seen a shift towards serial monogamy, and has legalized same-sex marriage, exemplifying a growing diversity in marital forms. Even online matchmaking services have become part of the landscape, responding to cultural values and helping individuals in an increasingly mobile global workforce to find spouses that share their heritage. Lastly, societies maintain rules around who one should or should not marry, known as endogamy and exogamy rules, adding another layer of cultural adaptation and complexity to the institution of marriage.