Relationships: Marriage and Woman

Relationships In Different Cultures

Every culture has their own definition of family relationships. Most family

relationships stem from the concept of marriage. Different types of marriages are

accepted all around the world. Some marriages are based on civil aspects, others are

based solely on religious aspects, and most are based on both. There are two main

types of marriages throughout the world which are monogamy and polygamy. Each type

of marriage has been around for thousands of years and both the past and present

show that there are both advantages and disadvantages of each marital practice. The most widespread form of marriage with the longest history is Monogamy.

Monogamy is the form of marriage where one man marries one woman. Ancient

Greeks, Ancient Romans, Jews, Christians, Indians, and tribes such as the Hopi and

Iroquois have regarded monogamy as the most ideal form of marriage. There are quite

a few advantages in monogamous marriages. There is typically better understanding

and communication between the man and wife, more focus on the children leading to a

more stable family most of the time and it is better economically suited for most people.

Since there are only two spouses, monogamy has been shown to offer the highest form

of love and affection and sex relations are more regulated. Disadvantages of

monogamy aren't often mentioned since its practiced by the majority of people in the

world but things can get complicated between the two spouses if abuse or adultery gets

involved. Even so, both the woman and man can divorce freely if they wish. The form of polygamy is the second prominent concept practiced throughout the world. Polygamy is when both the man and woman have freedom to have additional

mates. The historical Montagnais Tribe believed in pure polygamy. Before the French

took them over and converted them to European beliefs, both