Marriage is a socially recognized union between partners. It establishes rights and obligations — sexual, economic, legal, and religious. It legitimizes children in many societies, governs inheritance, and creates alliances between families. But what marriage means and who can enter it varies enormously.

Most societies practice monogamy, but polygamy exists in many forms. Polygyny (one man, multiple wives) is more common than polyandry (one woman, multiple husbands). Some societies recognize same-sex marriage. Others prohibit it. Arranged marriage, love marriage, and cohabitation without marriage all coexist in the modern world.

Functions and forms

• Regulates sexual behavior and reproduction
• Creates economic partnerships
• Establishes legal kinship and inheritance
• Provides emotional and social support
• Varies: monogamy, polygamy, arranged, same-sex

Marriage rates have declined in many high-income countries. People marry later, if at all. Divorce is common. Yet marriage remains a powerful institution. It shapes taxes, immigration, healthcare, and social status.