Final answer:
Daniel Smith's research focuses on how globalization influences marriage practices, comparing forms of marriage such as monogamy and polygamy, and assessing their evolution over time due to societal changes and the emergence of a global culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Daniel Smith studied how globalization affects the marriage practices of different cultures worldwide. Through anthropological and sociological perspectives, researchers like Smith assess the impact of global interconnectedness on traditional and contemporary marriage customs. For instance, monogamy and polygamy are two primary types of marriages found globally. In some societies, monogamy is the norm, possibly because of its convenience in societies where individuals are highly mobile or where smaller family units are more practical.
In the United States, marriage is often based on mutual feelings of love, which contrasts with arranged marriages found in other cultures. Globalization has introduced new variables that influence marriage practices, such as changes in gender roles, economic conditions, and the emergence of a global culture that could potentially harmonize diverse cultural norms. For example, in cities with higher diversity and cosmopolitan characteristics, mixed marriages among people of different ethnic backgrounds are increasingly common.
Moreover, the legalization of same-sex marriage in various countries, including the United States, shows how marriage customs can evolve under both legal and cultural influences. As these marriage practices evolve, they have significant implications for related social institutions, including education, housing, healthcare, and the wellbeing of children within these family structures.