The impact of norms and stereotypes on our perceptions of family life can be seen if we answer two simple, but basic questions: What is marriage? What is family?.
The definition of marriage is a legally recognized union between a man and women in which they are united sexually; cooperate economically; and may give birth to, adopt, or rear children. The union is assumed to be permanent (although in reality it may be ended by separation or divorce).
Before one is to become married, there's always the wedding. Throughout the world, a wedding is a form of treaty between families and a declaration of common interest more often than it is a declaration of mutual love. The family is the basis of most societies, and marriage is the covenant designed to guarantee the stability of the family. A wedding therefore becomes a public demonstration of this stability: symbolically, socially, and economically. Just an example of some cultural differences at weddings and just to note in many places wedding traditions are just as important as the marriage itself. In Rome, a cake was broken over the head of the bride while she held three ears of wheat in her left hand, and a similar custom survived into medieval Britain, this is considered a fertility rite and happiness in the marriage. Then the cake is simple eaten. The western custom of throwing rice or confetti is also a fertility charm. (Bishop, 1966).
As simple as marriage seems it differs among cultures and has changed historically in our society. Just as an example; in many cultures, marriages were arranged by families who would choose their children's partners. In some non-Western cultures, which may marry whom and at what age varies from our society. In areas of India and Africa, children as young as six years may marry other children and sometimes even marry and adult. Marriage is so important to some cultures that they even perform Spirit Marriages.
