Learning Objectives

This chapter introduces students to the anthropological study of marriage. It discusses how difficult it is to define marriage, and the range of marriage practices, rights, and rituals that exist in human cultures throughout the world.

I.

You must know the six things that Leach argues that marriage can, but does not always, accomplish. In addition, you need to know how Leach's definition can be used to justify same-sex marriages.

II.

You need to be familiar with incest and exogamy. In particular, you need to know the difference between parallel and cross cousins and how this distinction relates to exogamy in groups with unilineal descent and exogamous moieties.

III.

You should know the different arguments that have been put forth to explain the incest taboo. In particular, you should know the deficiencies of each argument.

IV.

You need to know what endogamy is and the role it plays in socially stratified societies. In particular, you should be familiar with the latent and manifest functions of royal incest.

V.

You need to know how marriage functions as a form of group alliance and the role that bridewealth and dowries play in creating and maintaining these alliances. In addition, you need to be able to distinguish between sororate and levirate marriages.

VI.

You need to know how divorce varies across cultures. In particular, you should be familiar with the factors that affect rates of divorce.

VII.

You need to know the different kinds of plural marriages and the conditions that favor each.

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.