Marrige Terminology

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Oct 30, 2023

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Polygyny: Historical Significance: Polygyny has a special place in history, especially in agricultural societies. As wives were expected to help with agricultural production, polygyny was seen as a way to increase the labor force in some cultures. Polygyny also allowed men to form alliances and gain power in their communities by exchanging goods and making social connections between families. Polygyny also regulated population growth by allowing men to have multiple wives and more children without having extramarital affairs. However, it has been criticized for contributing to gender inequality and women's marginalization in societies where it was practiced. This is the most widespread type of marriage throughout human history; historically, 84% of recorded cultures permitted it. Example: Islam is the most common religion in the Arab Peninsula, so polygyny marriages are common because they are permissible in the faith. Polyandry: Historical Significance: Polyandry was seen as a way to limit property division and household fragmentation in these regions with scarce resources and arable land. Women controlled family resources and property by having multiple husbands. Polyandry also allowed husbands to work together and take turns on household chores. In some societies, polyandry is linked to gender inequality and women's marginalization. This usually happens when a culture's standard of living is so low that some men are needed to support a single woman and her family. Example: This kind of marriage is typical in nations like India and Nepal which may have underdeveloped local economies. Betrothal: Historical Significance : Betrothal marriage, also known as arranged marriage, has been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures. Betrothal marriage was often used to form political alliances in the past. King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile married in 1469, unifying Spain and enabling the colonization of the Americas. Example: In South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, betrothal marriage is still common. In India, parents arrange marriages for their children based on social and economic factors. Some African cultures pay a bride price. Bride Price: Historical Significance: Bride price marriage, also known as bride wealth or lobola, is a tradition in which the groom's family pays the bride's family money or property for her hand in marriage.

Bride-price marriages allowed families to negotiate and strengthen social and economic ties. In some African cultures, the bride price was a way for the groom's family to compensate the bride's family for her labor and household contributions. It was also used to forge alliances between groups or establish the groom's status as a provider for the bride and their children. Example: Uganda, Nigeria, and South Sudan practice bride-price marriage. In these cultures, bride prices vary depending on the family's social status, the bride's education, and the groom's perceived ability to support his new family. Dowry: Historical Significance: Dowry marriage is a custom in which the bride's family gives gifts or money to the groom's family. Dowry marriages often provided financial security for the bride and her children. Dowries were used in some cultures to help the bride's family start a new household and give her financial independence. Example: Dowry marriage is still common in South Asia and elsewhere. Dowry, which has been illegal in India since 1961, is still common in rural areas. The tradition has been criticized for the exploitation of women and their families, domestic violence, and bride burning. Dower Rights: Historical Significance: Dower rights allow a widow to inherit her husband's property. Dower rights were often used to protect women's financial security and independence after their husband's death. In many cultures, dower rights protected widows and their children from poverty after the husband's death. Example: Ancient Rome, medieval Europe, and the Islamic world practiced dower rights. In common law countries, dower rights are known as "widow's rights." Many US states have abolished dower rights, but some still protect surviving spouses. Bann: Historical Significance: Bann marriage, also known as "the proclamation of the banns," is a tradition in which a couple announces their intention to marry in their community or church several weeks before the wedding. Bann marriages were used to prevent clandestine or forced marriages and ensure that both parties consented. Before the wedding, the couple's families and community had a chance to object. Example: Many cultures, especially Christianity, have practiced bann marriage. Many Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic and Anglican, still practice it. In Scotland, all couples who want to marry must announce their banns for three Sundays before the wedding.

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