2. DEFINITION - MARRIAGE
A relationship between two individuals based
on a sexual union which is recognized as
legitimate.
Carries specific role expectations within a
society.
Based on a permanent, legal contract.
3. INITIAL DIFFERENCES ...
Begins with cohabitation
More traditional, waiting to live together
Differing values towards premarital
sex/intimacy
Members of the same sex or opposite sex
4. THEORETICAL EXPLANATION?
Despite these differences, social scientists
strive to determine the common purpose of
marriage.
What is the function of marriage, as a
relationship and institution?
5. THEORIES:
Social Scientist Theory
Sociologists Structural Functionalism
Anthropologists Systems Theory
Psychologists Social Exchange Theory
6. CONSIDER
What does this theory try to explain?
How is society organized or “made up”
according to this theory?
What key terms are associated with this
theory?
According to this theorist, what is the
purpose or function of marriage?
7. SOCIOLOGY
STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
Society organized to perform key functions
effectively
Organized to benefit society/maintain stability
Change can happen, but it takes time, occurs
slowly.
Macro View = Big picture
Institutions function to organize society and
perpetuate norms
8. FUNCTIONALIST MARRIAGE
More traditional marriage reflected
Roles and status are very important
Marriage works to perpetuate societal norms
– the couple, family, heterosexuality.
Encourages reproduction
9. ANTHROPOLOGY
SYSTEMS THEORY
How groups of individuals interact as a system
Groups, subsystems influence each other in a
stable way. Not chaos, but not perfect.
Feedback implies give and take. All members
influence each other in negative and positive
ways.
Feedback informs how we maintain the system.
Negative feedback = discouragement
Positive feedback = encouragement
10. SYSTEMS MARRIAGE
Negative and positive feedback from
partners.
Majority positive. More likely to maintain
relationship/marriage.
Pair-Bond allows for greater chances of
survival.
Pair-Bond provides a means of survival.
“Two heads are better than one”.
11. PSYCHOLOGY
SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY
Social factors that influence how we act
within relationships (reciprocal relationships)
We are constrained by role expectations, but
we act to maximize benefits, and minimize
costs.
Individuals interpret their experiences with
others to weigh the benefits and costs
Benefits and costs are not facts but personal
perceptions.
12. SOCIAL EXCHANGE MARRIAGE
When considering marriage you are looking
for someone who can benefit you
Physical, emotional support, companionship
Sharing goods and services, status or
economic stability. Prosperity for the couple.
Considered a “Trade off” sometimes, as you
lose independence and free time. (costs)
13. MARRIAGE STRUCTURES
How are marriages organized?
How are roles and power distributed?
4 Types
Owner- Property
Head Complement
Senior Partner – Junior Partner
Equal Partner – Equal Partner
14. OWNER-PROPERTY
Historically common
Husband physically and legally owns wife
Emotional component is unimportant
Clearly outlined rights and duties for each
partner.
15. HEAD COMPLEMENT
Wife is understood as the husband’s “other
half”
Husband responsible for finances (the
breadwinner) and wife for the domestic
Husband considers wife’s opinions in
decision making as a complement.
Represents a minority of Canadian families
today (48%)
16. SENIOR-JUNIOR PARTNER
Wife is employed, more independent and
contributing to family income
Husband is still the primary provider $$
Wife still takes care of domestic duties, but
husband helps.
This is the largest category of Canadian
families/marriages
17. EQUAL PARTNER
Partners are equally committed to work,
family and household tasks
The more the wife contributes to income, the
more husband helps with household tasks
A small but growing number of Canadian
families (includes childless couples)
21. MARRIAGE IN CANADA
Governed at the Provincial level
Municipal regulations may apply, depending
on where you are getting married.
Division of Vital Statistics – marriage
licences, registry, certificates, Marriage
Commissioners.
23. 1. MARRIAGE LICENCE
A Marriage licence is a form that allows you
to get married, in that province, within the
next 3 months.
Does not mean that you are married!
You can apply for one at city hall.
Cost = 135$$
24. 2. THE CEREMONY
Will you have a religious or civil ceremony?
Who will perform the ceremony?
Division of Vital Statistics has a list of those
qualified. (religious and non-religious)
Marriage Commissioners
Two witnesses to sign the marriage register.
Civil Ceremony = 250$
25. 3. SEND AWAY THE REGISTER
Send to: Division of Vital Statistics
Legal record of the marriage.
Vital Statistics track births, marriages,
deaths, name changes in Canada.
26. 4. APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
Done through Vital Statistics.
Cost = 65$, or 100$ rush order!
Making it official =
450$
27. THE MARRIAGE ACT
Provincial legislation
Controls who can and cannot get married
Outline the rules, commitments and
restrictions
Rules on: property, civil rights, separation,
divorce, definition of “spouse”
28. WHO CAN’T GET MARRIED?
Under 18 (without parental consent)
If one of the partners is involved in another
relationship, marriage or unsettled divorce
Mentally incapable (unable to understand the nature
of marriage and obligations)
Intoxicated or on drugs
Until 2004, Same-Sex Couples.
29. CONSANGUINITY
Consanguinity – a romantic relationship
between two people who are closely related
to you. (by blood, half blood or adoption)
Man Cannot Marry His: Woman Cannot Marry Her:
Grandmother Grandfather
Mother Father
Daughter Son
Sister Brother
Granddaughter Grandson
30. CHANGES TO MARRIAGE
1970s onward
Egalitarian Relationships - men and women
are equal partners and providers in marriage.
Same rights, restrictions and obligations
Women have increased rights in marriage and
divorce.
Same-sex couples included in the definition of
marriage, “spouse”.
31. COHABITATION
Living together in a conjugal relationship
either in or outside marriage.
Today, few legal differences between married
and cohabitating couples.
Married couples share wide range of assets
(the Matrimonial Home, property division)
32. COHABITATION RIGHTS
Cohabitators have the same rights as a
“spouse” when ...
Continuously living together for 3 years
In a permanent relationship and are the
natural/adoptive parents of a child.
Entitledto support as a “dependant”, spousal
benefits (pension).
33. COHABITATION IN CANADA
Nearly 60% of young people will cohabit in
their first conjugal relationship.
Cohabition is found more acceptable as a
prelude to marriage.
Less acceptable if the couple do not intend to
get married.
34. WHY CANADIANS ARE NOT GETTING MARRIED
2007 Census Data.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BETCBUT
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