NEB Class 12 2nd Essays Marriage as a Social Institution Stephen L . Nock

 2^nd Essays                           Marriage as a Social Institution

Stephen L . Nock      

In this essay, Stephen L. Nock explains that marriage is more than just a personal relationship—it is a social institution that plays an important role in society. He says marriage brings stability, responsibility, and structure to people’s lives. It sets social rules for behavior, helps raise children, and connects individuals to the wider community. Nock argues that society values marriage because it supports social order and teaches people to think beyond their own needs.

About the Essayist

Stephen L. Nock Stephen L. Nock (1949–2008) was an American sociologist known for his research on marriage, family, and gender roles. He studied how marriage affects individuals and society, and how it shapes social behavior.

Setting

The essay is based on modern society, where marriage is seen not just as a personal choice but as a system that influences social values, responsibilities, and roles in everyday life.

Main Themes

1.      Marriage as a Social Structure: Marriage creates order and stability in society by defining roles and responsibilities.

2.      Responsibility and Commitment: It teaches people to be responsible, care for others, and think beyond themselves.

3.      Social Expectations: Marriage follows certain rules and norms that guide how people live and interact in society.

 

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. According to the author, what is marriage?

According to Stephen L. Nock, marriage is more than just a union between two individuals. It is defined by loyalty, moral values, and traditional expectations. Marriage involves various close personal relationships and connections, serving as a social contract that affects not only the individuals but also their roles in society. The author sees marriage as a complex, multi-dimensional institution that shapes the lives of those who enter it, contributing to the stability of both personal lives and society as a whole.

b. How is marriage an institution?

Marriage is considered an institution because it serves as a structured means of meeting social, economic, physical, and familial needs for individuals. It is tied to other essential institutions such as education, the economy, and politics. Marriage regulates behaviors and responsibilities and plays a critical role in shaping society’s organization. By formalizing relationships, marriage creates stability, encourages social cohesion, and promotes the continuity of societal norms and values. It links individuals to broader social systems and structures, helping to fulfill important societal functions in ways that impact both the personal and public domains.

c. What are the rules that a marriage has?

Marriage is governed by a complex set of rules that dictate the rights and responsibilities of spouses toward each other. These rules address emotional, economic, legal, and social obligations and help maintain stability in the relationship. For example, marriage often involves mutual expectations of fidelity, shared financial responsibility, and the joint raising of children. Additionally, marriage rules vary across cultures and societies, with legal frameworks that protect the rights of each spouse. These rules help regulate behavior, ensure equality and fairness, and guide couples in fulfilling their duties within both the marriage and the broader society.

d. Why does marriage matter to men?

Marriage matters to men because it provides structure and organization to their lives. It offers a framework within which they can pursue personal and professional goals while balancing family responsibilities. Marriage helps men define their roles within society, promoting stability and long-term commitment. It also brings emotional support, companionship, and a sense of responsibility. By organizing their personal lives, marriage creates an environment that encourages men to focus on their ambitions while providing a sense of fulfillment through family and relationships. In this way, marriage plays a crucial role in shaping a man’s identity and goals.

e. What is one of the central problems in modern society?

One central problem in modern society is the difficulty in establishing legitimate boundaries around individual desires. With an increasing focus on personal freedom, people often prioritize comfort, luxury, and prestige over the common good. This growing individualism leads to challenges in balancing personal aspirations with collective responsibility. The pursuit of material wealth and status can undermine social cohesion and well-being, resulting in increased competition and inequality. As a result, society faces the challenge of reconciling personal desires with the needs and interests of the wider community to ensure long-term stability and shared prosperity.

f. What does social capital consist of?

Social capital consists of a network of relationships and connections built on trust, reciprocity, and shared values. It includes the social bonds that enable individuals to work together, cooperate, and support one another within a community. Social capital fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity, making it easier for people to access resources, share information, and collaborate toward common goals. The strength of these connections and the level of trust within the network determine the community’s capacity to face challenges and thrive. Social capital plays a key role in promoting social cohesion and collective well-being.

g. What is normative marriage? Explain.

Normative marriage is a socially accepted form of marriage that functions as a means of social control. It channels individual behavior and aspirations in ways that align with societal expectations and collective norms. Normative marriage involves conventional practices, such as monogamy and lifelong commitment, that help regulate intimate relationships and family structures. It is seen as a force greater than the individuals involved, reflecting the broader sentiments and values of society. In this way, normative marriage differs from other types of intimate relationships, as it upholds standards that contribute to the stability and order of society.

Reference to the context

In America, normative marriage has six important parts: first, it is freely entered by adult, opposite-sex partners who usually expect it to last for life. Second, the husband is often the main money earner, and the wife usually takes care of the home, but this is changing. Third, being faithful to each other is very important. Fourth, marriage is the place where couples usually have and raise children. Fifth, marriage is legally and socially accepted as a strong, binding agreement. Lastly, marriage helps guide how people behave by setting rules that society expects them to follow. These six parts come from laws, religion, and traditions and they show what American society believes about the roles and duties of married people.

Or,

The six dimensions that define normative marriage in America, presented as points:

1. Voluntary Union: Marriage is entered voluntarily by mature, heterosexual adults with the expectation of a lifelong commitment.

2. Primary Earnership: Traditionally, the husband is expected to be the principal earner, while the wife often assumes domestic roles. However, this dynamic is evolving in modern marriages.

3.  Sexual Fidelity: Marriage is seen as a union in which both partners are expected to be sexually faithful to each other.

4. Parenthood: Marriage is considered the ideal context for couples to become parents, with children often seen as a natural part of the marriage process.

5. Legal and Social Recognition: Marriage is a legally recognized institution, with social and legal norms governing the roles, rights, and responsibilities of married individuals.

6. Social Control: Normative marriage acts as a form of social control, influencing individual behavior and expectations in accordance with societal values and norms.

 b. Do marriages differ according to culture? How is your marriage practice different from marriage in America?

Yes, marriage practices vary widely across cultures, each shaped by unique traditions, values, and customs. In Nepal, for example, marriage holds significant cultural and religious importance. The majorities of marriages are arranged by the families, especially in the Hindu tradition, and involve extensive participation from both sides of the family. Parents play a crucial role in selecting a partner, and the union is seen as the joining of two families, not just two individuals. In contrast, marriage in America often emphasizes personal choice, with couples typically selecting their partners independently. American society places less institutional pressure on marriage, often prioritizing career and financial independence over the marital bond. Additionally, while American marriages might involve less familial involvement, in Nepal, the marriage ceremony is a family-centered event that involves significant ritual and respect for tradition. Thus, cultural expectations around marriage, choice, and family roles differ greatly between the two societies.

 a. Write an essay on the marriage practice in your own culture.

Marriage Practice in My Culture

In Nepali culture, marriage is not just a union between two individuals but a significant social event that involves families, traditions, and religious rituals. Marriage is viewed as an essential institution that maintains the social fabric and upholds cultural values. Traditionally, marriages in Nepal are arranged by the families of the bride and groom, though love marriages are increasingly common in modern times, particularly in urban areas. The concept of family approval is crucial, as marriage is seen as a lifelong bond between not only the couple but also their extended families. In rural areas, arranged marriages remain predominant, with families choosing suitable partners based on factors like social status, caste, religion, and economic compatibility.

The marriage ceremony in Nepal is a grand affair, often lasting several days and involving elaborate rituals. The wedding is typically a religious event, with ceremonies held according to Hindu customs. For example, the groom and bride exchange vows, perform rituals with fire, and seek blessings from their elders and deities. The traditional wedding attire includes a "sari" for the bride and a "daura suruwal" or suit for the groom, with the bride also wearing elaborate jewelry. The wedding is usually accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and feasts, marking it as a festive and joyous occasion. These rituals are not just symbolic; they are believed to ensure the well-being of the couple and the prosperity of their marriage.

One of the central aspects of Nepali marriage practice is the importance placed on family roles and responsibilities. After marriage, the woman traditionally moves into her husband's family home, where she is expected to take on household duties and care for the elderly members of the family. The husband is typically seen as the head of the household and the primary provider. While these roles are slowly changing with the increasing involvement of women in the workforce and education, traditional gender roles continue to influence the dynamics of marriage in many parts of Nepal. However, in urban areas, there is a growing shift toward more egalitarian roles where both partners contribute to household responsibilities and decision-making.

Although marriage in Nepal is traditionally viewed as a lifelong commitment, there is an increasing trend toward individual choice and love marriages, especially in cities and among younger generations. As Nepali society becomes more modernized and influenced by global perspectives, couples are starting to prioritize love and personal compatibility over familial approval. Despite this shift, the essence of marriage as a deeply social and religious institution remains unchanged. Whether arranged or based on love, marriage in Nepal is celebrated with great importance, as it marks the beginning of a new life together and the continuation of cultural traditions.

b. Is marriage a social institution? Discuss.

Yes, marriage is widely considered a social institution, as it plays a fundamental role in the structure of society by organizing and regulating relationships between individuals. As a social institution, marriage is not just a personal bond but a set of established norms, values, and practices that shape how individuals and families interact. These norms include rules regarding gender roles, family structures, and societal expectations, which are reinforced by cultural, religious, and legal frameworks. Marriage provides a social framework that governs relationships, creating stability and continuity in society.

Marriage also serves to regulate reproduction and child-rearing, making it a key institution in maintaining the social order. It establishes the legitimacy of offspring, ensuring that children are raised within a recognized social structure where their rights and responsibilities are clearly defined. In many societies, including traditional ones, marriage is the primary setting for raising children, where the roles of care giving and provision are split between the partners. By structuring how families are formed, marriage helps ensure the continuation of societal values and the upbringing of future generations according to cultural norms.

Another important aspect of marriage as a social institution is its role in reinforcing societal norms and expectations. These include expectations about monogamy, lifelong commitment, gender roles, and the responsibilities of spouses toward each other and their families. Marriage often serves as the foundation for social and economic cooperation between individuals, regulating not only personal relationships but also contributing to broader societal stability. It shapes economic arrangements, property rights, and inheritance, making it a key component of social and legal systems. The social sanctioning of marriage, through ceremonies and legal recognition, also reinforces its importance in society.

However, the concept of marriage as a social institution is evolving. In modern times, societal shifts, such as changes in gender roles, greater acceptance of non-traditional relationships, and the legalization of same-sex marriage, have altered how marriage is perceived and practiced. Despite these changes, marriage remains a central social institution that continues to influence personal identity, societal norms, and the legal framework of many cultures. Even as marriage evolves, it retains its significance as a fundamental element of social life, offering a structure for relationships, family formation, and community involvement.