Marriage

Definition Marriage has many definitions.

In Ireland marriage can be defined as

““a legally binding union between a man and alegally binding union between a man and a

women with the exclusion of all others” women with the exclusion of all others”

In some countries, same sex marriages areaccepted, however this is prohibited by IrishLaw

Cultural Variations of Marriage

1. Minimum Age In Ireland it is 18 years (16 with parentalconsent).

2. Arranged Marriages Parents decide on child’s spouse based onsuitability and background.

Popular in cultures such as India.

Marriage is arranged from young age.

3. Choice of Partners

Restriction on the choice is based on religion,class or blood relationship.

In Ireland there are restrictions based onblood relationships and relationships bymarriage.

Cultural Variations of Marriage

4. Number of Partners4. Number of Partners a. Monogamy One person has one spouse. Most common type of marriage in WesternSociety. Only type recognised by Irish Law.

b. Serial Monogamy One person marries and divorces several times.

c. Bigamy Person enters into a second marriage whilestill legally married to another person.

Cultural Variations of Marriage

4. Number of Partners4. Number of Partners d. Polygamy Involves more than one partner.Not acceptable in Western Societies. Two forms of Polygamy

1. Polyandry 2. Polygyny

Cultural Variations of Marriage

Polygyny • Marriage involves ONE MAN and two or more

women.

• Polygynous marital relations are commonly practiced in African nations and Islamic community.

• Dominant figure is the MAN, who controls all financial aspects and decision making This is known as Patriarchal (man dominates).

Polyandry • Marriage involves ONE WOMAN and more than

one man.• Popular in certain Tibetan Tribes and among the

Inuit Eskimos.• Occurs in very poor cultures where a number of

working males are considered necessary to support one wife and children.

• Obeys husbands’ wishes. • One child from each husband.

Cultural Variations of Marriage

5. Wedding Ceremonies and CustomsJewish weddings are held under a canopy whichis symbolic of the couple’s future home.At the end of the ceremony a glass is brokenunder the groom’s foot to symbolise thedestruction of the ancient Jewish temple inJerusalem and to remind the couple that amarriage can also break.

5. Wedding Ceremonies and Customs• Many of the wedding customs with which weare familiar with have been popular forcenturies. • Roman brides wore veils 2,000 years ago &exchanged rings, symbolising eternity & theunity of husband & wife forever.• The wearing of the ring on the third fingerof the left hand is an ancient tradition. Peoplebelieved that a nerve ran directly from thatfinger to the heart.

Cultural Variations of Marriage

Match the Following Terms

Bigamy One Man marries many women

Polyandry One Man one women

Polygyny One Women many men

Monogamy Marry again while still legally married to another

Rights and Responsibilities of Married Couples in

Ireland • Each spouse is entitled to live together. • Each spouse is expected to remain faithful to the

other. • The Maintenance of Spouse and Children’s Act

1976 states that each spouse Financially support one another.

• Legally any child born must be looked after physically, morally and socially. Joint Custody and responsibilities for care and upbringing shared.

• Succession Act 1965: If there is no will after death of one spouse: The surviving spouse is entitled to the entire estate. If there are children the surviving spouse is entitled to two thirds of the estate.

Rights and Responsibilities of Married Couples in

Ireland

• A wedding must take place in a recognised place of worship, in a registry office or in a venue which has been inspected and approved in advance by a Registrar in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Minister. Can apply for temporary registration.

• Two witnesses. • Three months notice must be given to the

registrar. • Marriages must be registered after the ceremony.

What Makes a Marriage Valid?

What Makes a Marriage Valid?

• Marriage must be entered into voluntarily by both partners.

• Partners must be over 18. • In Ireland, partners must be of opposite sex.• Neither spouse may be in an existing marriage. • Couples are restricted by blood relationships.