Marriage is the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship (historically and in some jurisdictions, precisely, a union between a man and a woman). However, its forms and meanings vary significantly across cultures and societies.
Growing up as a child, everyone dreamt of getting married; however, understanding the different types of marriage can help provide a better perspective into this social institution that over 47% of people in the US belong to.
This article will explore the seven types of marriages everyone should know, providing an overview of each while exploring their components and characteristics. Note this is not an exhaustive list but a careful selection of the seven most common marriage types found in the world
Know The 7 Most Common Types of Marriage Before Getting Hitched
While there are scores of different types of marriage, we took the time to list and describe 7 types of marriage. Every kind of marriage has its unique components and characteristics.
1. Traditional Marriage
Traditional marriage is the most common type of marriage worldwide. It is the primary established form of marriage recognized in a given country, religious group, or social group at a given time. In that culture, traditional marriage requires the families of the future bride and groom to engage in ritual visits and exchange gifts.
One key component of conventional marriages is gender roles and the following of religious or cultural customs in the home. This is the oldest form of marriage based on solid family values, monogamy, and oneness.
2. Civil Marriage
A civil marriage is a type of marriage performed, recorded, and recognized by a government official. Such a marriage may be performed by a religious body and recognized by the state, or it may be entirely secular.
Unlike some types of marriages, a civil marriage provides legal rights and protection to the couple. This type of marriage can be done alongside a different kind of marriage. It is essential to note that it is an inclusive marriage, no matter your religion or cultural background. Couples seeking to leave the country may be required to present their civil wedding certificate.
3. Religious Marriage
Another common marriage practiced by millions of people is religious. It is usually done and conducted by a religious body. These marriages are conducted according to the participants' faith and beliefs, using their religious traditions as a guide.
Different religions have different spiritual guides who conduct the marriage. For example, a Christian wedding might be officiated by a priest or pastor, while an imam conducts a Muslim marriage. This is one of the most common types of marriage in Muslim countries.
4. Common-law Marriage
In some countries and regions, you do not necessarily need to hold a ceremony to be married. You can live with someone for so long and apply for a certificate. This type of marriage is called Common-law marriage.
There are different requirements for different locations, but generally, the couples cohabit and have mutual consent to be married. While this can be legally accepted as in other types of marriages, proving the existence of the criteria for granting common-law marriage may take time and effort.
5. Polygamous Marriage
One of the types of marriage in sociology is Polygamy. In polygamy, usually, a man is married to multiple spouses simultaneously. This practice is legal and culturally accepted in some societies, particularly in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
It is one of the most common types of marriage in Muslim communities. Polygamous marriages may be between a man and multiple women (polygyny) or one woman with multiple husbands (polyandry). Polygamy is not recognized in civil marriages, and they are illegal in many parts of the world.
6. Arranged Marriage
Not all marriages are a Holywood tale of romance and sparkling love. Sometimes, both spouses are selected by their families or matchmakers rather than the individuals themselves. This practice is common in many cultures, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
Arranged marriages can sometimes used to maintain status or ensure compatibility on religious and ethnic grounds. In older times, the people involved may not have had much of a say, but in modern days, there is more involvement of the people who are to marry.
7. Open Marriage
A general definition of an open marriage is one in which the two partners agree to have some degree of sexual interaction outside the couple. There are variant forms of open marriage, each with the partners having varying levels of input on their spouse's activities in romantic or sexual relationships with other people.
This is a far deviation from traditional marriage, as other 3rd parties are involved in the relationship. A high level of trust is required for these types of marriage to work.
Proven Tips That Will Make Any Type of Marriage Better
Challenges are bound to occur in marriage, but when you have a good grasp of your marriage type, it will help you ply the best route to getting a reconciliation and making the marriage work. While the type of marriages you practice may influence a lot, key things make marriages work. They include.
- Learn to communicate with your partner. Share your thoughts, concerns, and worries. In turn, learn to listen to them, acknowledge the problems, and try to work together to find a solution.
- Communication and quality time help strengthen the bond between couples. Do not get too busy for each other. Celebrate life knowing that the person you married is your partner and not a stranger. Go on regular date nights and learn to do activities together.
- Do not get so overfamiliar with your partner that you forget to show gratitude. Even in the little things, show them that you love them and are grateful to have them in your life.
- Resentment breeds bitterness. Learn to forgive your partner and show them you truly care about them. Remember, nobody is above mistakes. Learn to move on and let things slide when you can.
- Physical intimacy is one of the secrets to a happy marriage. Share kisses, hugs, cuddles, and other forms of intimacy. When you no longer feel like holding or touching your partner, a problem must be addressed.
Conclusion
Marriage is one of the largest social institutions, and it differs from location to location and across different cultures and religions. Now you know the types of marriage available to you. Examples include polygamy, which is part of the types of marriage in sociology; traditional marriages, the most common type; and civil marriage.
Remember, the key to a successful marriage lies in mutual respect, communication, and a shared commitment to building a life together. It takes two to make a marriage succeed and one to bring it down. Therefore, both parties must be actively involved to ensure the success of the marriage.
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FAQs
How many types of marriage are there in psychology?
There are seven basic types of marriage. In three, where happiness abounds, couples are held together by the smooth working of most or all factors intrinsic to relationships: personality compatibility, communication, conflict resolution, and sexuality.
What are the three levels of marriage?
Most marriages go through at least three distinct stages: 1) romantic love, 2) disillusionment and distraction, and 3) dissolution, adjustment with resignation, or adjustment with contentment.
What is the most common type of marriage?
Monogamy, the union between two individuals, is the most common form of marriage and is traditional in most parts of the world.
What kind of marriages are most successful?
People with a strong foundation of friendship and companionship may stay together longer than those who started a marriage based on passion, sexual attraction, or push-and-pull patterns