Marriage

• What is the trend in marriage rates in the West?

  Fewer people are getting married
• What are the main topics covered in the study of marriage in sociology?

  • Introduction to marriage
  • Types of marriages
  • UK trends in marriage
  • Challenges of marriage
  • New trends in marriage
  • Importance of marriage from various sociological perspectives
• How does the Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology define marriage?

  As a social institution defined by laws, culture, religion
• What can legally terminate a marriage?

  Divorce
• What is monogamy in the context of marriage?

  Being married to one person at a time
• What is an arranged marriage?

  A union organized by families for practical benefits
• In which society were arranged marriages the norm?

  Pre-industrial Western society
• What is a civil partnership?

  A legal relationship with similar rights to marriage
• What was the trend in the number of marriages in the UK in 2018?

  Lowest number since 2009
• What percentage of opposite-sex marriages were religious ceremonies in 2018?

  About one-fifth
• What was the average age of women marrying in opposite-sex marriages in 2018?

  35.8 years
• What was the average age of men marrying in same-sex marriages in 2018?

  40.4 years
• What are some economic factors contributing to the decline in marriage rates?

  • Increasing costs of weddings
  • Couples prefer saving for homes
  • Desire for 'dream' weddings leads to delays
• How have changing gender roles impacted marriage?

  Women are more financially independent now
• What do feminist sociologists argue about marriage?

  It is a construct of the patriarchal system
• When was sexual assault within marriage considered a criminal offence in Britain?

  1992
• What do functionalists believe about marriage?

  It is essential for socialisation and reproduction
• What do the New Right believe about marriage?

  It is the path to the nuclear family
• What do postmodernists recognize about marriage?

  Societal changes make it difficult to maintain
• What are the key takeaways regarding marriage in sociology?

  • Marriage is a legally recognized union.
  • Feminists view marriage as patriarchal exploitation.
  • Functionalists see marriage as vital for society.
  • The New Right supports traditional marriage.
  • Postmodernists acknowledge marriage's challenges.