Paper Summary:

This paper examines many of the different cultural views on marriage that exist today. It specifically examines the differences in views on the role of women, the legalization of same-sex marriage, views on multiple partners and the relationship between marriage and religion. The paper concludes that views on these issues can vary greatly between cultures.

From the Paper:

"As noted previously, issues of religion often play a large role in the various views towards different aspects of marriage found in cultures (Erber & Erber, 2001). Religion is responsible, for example, for many of the differences in opinion concerning same-sex marriage. In addition, religion also can dictate the role a woman plays in marriage, and the extent to which religion guides the laws of the land often influences the laws concerning women in marriage. Thus, countries with more singular religions, such as Muslim countries, often have all of their legal laws dictated by a single religion, and as such, their laws often prohibit certain behaviours within marriage, such as the empowerment of women, divorce or same-sex marriage (Erber & Erber, 2001). On the other hand, some religions permit even more 'liberal' views of marriage, and if these religions form the law of the land, often times it is possible find the legalization of multiple partners, or polygamy. However, polygamy often acts in favour of men, with men being allowed to take multiple wives but women not being allowed to have multiple husbands. It is clear that often a culture's views on marriage are determined by the culture's relationship with religion."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cere, D., & Farrow, D. (2004). Divorcing Marriage. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press.
• Crompton, L. (2003). Homosexuality & Civilization. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
• Erber, R. & Erber, M.W. (2001). Intimate Relationships: Issues, Theories & Research. Toronto: Allyn & Bacon.
• Moats, D. (2004). Civil Wars: Gay Marriage in America. Harcourt Press.
• Sullivan, A. (1997). Same-Sex Marriage: Pro and Con: A Reader. Vintage Publishing Company.

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