Final answer:
Marriage is universal because it is a social institution that fulfills crucial roles such as raising children, organizing social relations, and forming socioeconomic units. The concept and practice of marriage are influenced by societal changes, cultural norms, and subsistence strategies. Laws at different levels provide a legal framework and equality for marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why is Marriage Considered Universal?
Marriage is considered universal because it acts as a socially recognized union that serves multiple essential functions across diverse cultures. This institution provides a formal structure for the production, nurturing, and raising of offspring. It also establishes endogamy and exogamy rules which help to organize social relations within a community, creating a stable socioeconomic unit that benefits from shared labor and resources. In different societies, marriage fosters alliances providing economic and political advantages.
In contemporary societies, such as in urban Western cultures, the notion of marriage has been evolving. Societal changes, such as shifts in socioeconomic opportunities and more fluid family dynamics, are influencing how marriage is perceived and practiced. For instance, in Iceland, the concept of marriage includes consensual unions which are supported by social policies, reflecting the changing nature of family and intimate relationships in modern times.
Moreover, the form of marriage can significantly influence and be influenced by a culture’s subsistence strategy. In some cultures, polygamous marriages are practical for increasing labor to support farming activities. In contrast, monogamous unions may be more adapted to postindustrial societies where smaller family units are more practical or necessary due to mobility.
Additionally, marriage laws vary from state to state, but they adhere to federal rulings that recognize marriage as a fundamental right, ensuring legal protection and equality under the Constitution.