Courtship, Mate Selection, and Marriage
Marriages can take many different patterns based on a number of factors. In this lesson we will explore two of these patterns. They are:
- Patterns of Mate Number
- Patterns of Power
Patterns of Mate Number
Almost all married couples in the U.S. have married monogamously since the original colonies in the 1600s. Monogamy implies a 1:1 relationship and is typically desired both by married couples and cohabiters. The only group in American history that allowed multiple spouses at the same time has been the Mormons.
However, the Mormon church ceased polygamy in 1890 and it is a practice that is no longer recognized by the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints). There are a few Mormon-splinter groups in a few areas of the U.S. that still allow polygamy today. With that being said, their marriages are not legally recognized anywhere in the United States.
Monogamy is the marriage form permitting only one spouse.
Polygamy is a marriage form permitting more than one spouse at the same time.
Polygamy comes in two forms: polygyny and polyandry.
Polygyny is a marriage form permitting more than one wife at the same time.
Polyandry is a marriage form permitting more than one husband at the same time.
Of the two types of polygamy that exist, polygyny is by far the most common type and still exists in a legal form in many African, Middle-Eastern, and Indian nations. Polyandry is historically and currently rare, and, if practiced, often includes the marriage of one wife to a set of brothers, which is called fraternal polyandry. The most common reason for the existence of polyandry is in cultures where there are more men than women. This occurs in societies that allow the destruction or limitation of female children.
Pattern of Power
In some cultures, power rests with the husband, which is the most common pattern. In other cultures, power lies with the wife, although when this very rare arrangement does exist, it usually means that the male relatives of the wife actually have the power. The third power pattern, which is growing in popularity in many western nations, gives equal power to both the husband and wife.
Patriarchy is a form of social organization in which the father is the supreme authority in the family, tribe or clan, and descent is reckoned in the male line.
Matriarchy is a form of social organization in which the mother is the head of the family, and which descent is reckoned in the female line.
Egalitarian is a marriage and family pattern giving equal power to both spouses and/or parents.
