Marriage and Functionalism in Sociology - Research Paper Example

Marriage and Functionalism in Sociology I. Problem ment Marriage feature as one of the oldest social s in human history. Since time immemorial, individuals formed unions primarily between a man and a woman. The institution of marriage is viewed by many as not only a legitimate but also an essential unit in the society. Essentiality and legitimacy of marriage has been defined from philosophical, religious and legal frameworks. Philosophically, marriage is regarded as an inherent union of elements that are fundamentally attracted to each other. According to philosophy, femininity and masculinity are beautifully distinct elements with natural tendency for attraction (Cohen & Strong, 2013, p. 72). Religion describes marriage as a divinely derived institution. Most popular religions assert that on creation, God made a man and a woman. This insinuates that marriage commenced on the first day of humanity. Within a legal framework, marriage is considered as an institution meant to secure sexual relations, reproduction and childrearing (Laura & Scott, 2012, p. 121). Despite the distinct definition of marriage highlighted above, it appears that this institution offers numerous significances to the society. First, marriage institution is considered as the strongest cornerstone of social order. Irrespective of the defining framework, marriage usually involves a mutually consented union between a man and a woman. Admittedly, contemporary societies have introduced and legitimized other types of non-heterosexual unions. However, the consenting union between two individuals promotes order by restraining self-indulgence and narcissism. Married partners are committed to uphold moral laws and conduct themselves properly for the sake of dignity and as good example to children (Laura & Scott, 2012, p. 124). Without marriage, self-centeredness would prevail, and elements of narcissism and self-indulgence would lead to collapse of moral and social order. Marriage institution is also significant is perpetuating good morals through procreation and childrearing practices. Marriage institutions provide a perfect atmosphere for love, peace and harmony; hence it is highly esteemed in almost all societies. II. Literature Review In order to understand the significance and technicality of marriage, numerous researches have been conducted in the past. One of such researches was published by Dr Mark Heather, a social psychologist from Harvard. In his article, Mark asserted that marriage is not about having a ring on one’s finger. Marriage is about reaping the intrinsic benefits of this union. In his research, the psychologist found that approximately 49% of married couples fail to acknowledge importance and benefits of their marriages only 3 years after uniting. 70% of such marriages usually end in divorce and separation (Larson & Smith, 2014, p. 47). Instead of making mutual intimacy and personal growth a priority, most couples prioritize their self-interests soon after walking down the aisle. Another article written by Smith Michael, a family therapist, highlighted on the profound misunderstanding of the institution. The article published on the August 2013 issue of Journal of Marital and Family Therapy mentioned that the understanding of marriage institutions change with respect to culture and social dynamism. Marital norms are changing substantially. Approximately 70 years ago, marriage was primarily a union between a man and a woman (Borne, 2011, p. 217). However, social activists intensified campaigns that led to approval of same-sex unions. Such changes laid foundation for erosion of natural aspects of marriage. Currently, 1st world nations in America and Europe have substantially redefined marriage; leading to corresponding redefinition of marital norms and societal expectations of the institution (Larson & Smith, 2014, p. 47). Recently, Larson Creswell, a renowned post-doctoral researcher in MIT published an article on the state of American marriage system. In his articled found in the July 2014 issue of Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Larson noted that for the last 10 years, couples have approximately 50% chances of staying married for more than 6 years. In 1970s, social statistics indicate that couples had about 70% chances of remaining married for more than 6 years (Larson & Smith, 2014, p. 53). This substantial change in statistics insinuates that marriage institutions in America today face challenges and continues drifting from the traditional sense of the institution. All couples have genuine understanding of marriage when they walk down the aisle. Cohen and Strong (2011) agreed that their value of marriage gradually diminishes because of weakened morality and lack of perceivable reward for long time fidelity of marital unions in the society (p. 81). In this context, societies are no longer able to foster an environment for commitments and social order to prevail through marriages. III. Functionalism Theory Theoretically, marriage falls within the functionalism perspective of sociology. Functionalism seeks to examine and interpret mechanisms that contribute towards observable stability of the society. Emile Durkheim, a sociologist responsible for synthesis of functionalism, asserted that social order and perceptible stability of social institutions is a macro-scale manifestation of the micro-scale building blocks (Laura & Scott, 2012, p. 129). The entire society is in organized harmony because customs, traditions and norms dictate formation and sustainable development of basic institutions like marriage. Durkheim compared the society as being synonymous to a biological body. In this case, institutions like marriage assume the role of organs inside a body. Each organ contributes equitably towards holistic functionality of the body. However, deterioration of organs affects the existing structure of the entire body. In this case, negative changes affecting the institution of marriage are responsible for the decline of social order. Functionalism was motivated by the quest to understand stability of stateless African societies prior to colonization. Understandably, primitive communities in Africa had not documented laws like constitutions and public policies. In fact most tribal societies lacked a legitimate leader and a system of law enforcement. However, these societies were not only organized in groups but also appeared stable and functioning (Laura & Scott, 2012, p. 122). Upon close examination, it emerged that the stable social structure was as a result of idealized marriage institutions. The significance of marriage was so emphasized in these tribal communities that sustenance of marital norms persisted beyond normal lifespan of individuals. In this case, developers of functionalism concluded that traditional meaning of marriage is the chief cause of social order. However, structural functionalism become threatened when traditional norms and shaken by competing social perspectives (Laura & Scott, 2012, p. 122). Diminishing regard to traditional meaning of marriage institutions undermine preservation and restoration of social order. This explains why marriages in socially radicalized societies like America and Europe indicate high rates of divorce. IV. Conclusion In conclusion, it emerges that disregard to fundamental building blocks of the society is a result of tension and conflict on structural functionalism between liberal and conservative members of the society. Traditionally, marriage was honored and highly esteemed. Cultures which still hold highly regarded perceptions towards marriage seem to be orderly. However, proliferation of radical ideas of social units leads to decline in prolonged existence of those units. As acknowledged within the literature review section, it is evident that the high rates of early divorces in America today results from limited regard and even abandonment of traditional intentions of marriage institutions. Reference Borne, J. (2011). Until death do us part: Marriage in anthropological discourse. Journal of American Ethnology, 23(2): 215-225. Cohen, T. & Strong, B. (2013). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in a changing society. New York: Cengage Learning, 68-99 Larson, C. & Smith, M. (2014). The state of modern marriage: Examining the interplay between our love lives and our identities. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 43(3): 45-71 Laura, D. & Scott, A. (2012). Classical and contemporary sociological theory: Text and readings. Pittsburg: John Wiley & Sons, 121-130. Read More