How Sociologists Define Marriage

How Sociologists Define Marriage Marriage is a socially supported union involving two or more individuals in what is regarded as a stable, enduring arrangement based at least in part on a sexual bond of some kind. Depending on the society, marriage may require religious and/or civil sanction, although some couples may come to be considered married simply by living together for a period of time (common law marriage). Though marriage ceremonies, rules, and roles may differ from one society to another, marriage is considered a cultural universal, which means that it is present as a social institution in all cultures. Marriage serves several functions. In most societies, it serves to socially identify children by defining kinship ties to a mother, father, and extended relatives. It also serves to regulate sexual behavior, to transfer, preserve, or consolidate property, prestige, and power, and most importantly, it is the basis for the institution of the family. Social Characteristics of Marriage In most societies, a marriage is considered a permanent social and legal contract and relationship between two people that is based on mutual rights and obligations among the spouses. A marriage is often based on a romantic relationship, though this is not always the case. But regardless, it typically signals a sexual relationship between two people. A marriage, however, does not simply exist between the married partners, but rather, is codified as a social institution in legal, economic, social, and spiritual/religious ways. Typically a the institution of marriage begins with a period of courtship that culminates in an invitation to marry. This is followed by the marriage ceremony, during which mutual rights and responsibilities may be specifically stated and agreed to. In many places the state must sanction a marriage in order for it to be considered valid and legal, and also in many cultures, a religious authority must do the same. In many societies, including the Western world and the United States, marriage is widely considered the basis of and foundation for family. This is why a marriage is often greeted socially with immediate expectations that the couple will produce children, and why children that are born outside of marriage are often branded with the stigma of illegitimacy. Because a marriage is recognized by law, by the economy, socially, and by religious institutions, a dissolution of marriage (annulment or divorce) must, in turn, involve a dissolution of the marriage relationship in all of these realms. The Social Functions of Marriage Marriage has several social functions that are important within the societies and cultures where the marriage takes place. Most commonly, marriage dictates the roles that spouses play in each others lives, in the family, and in society at large. Typically these roles involve a division of labor between the spouses, such that each is responsible for different tasks that are necessary within the family. American sociologist Talcott Parsons wrote on this topic and outlined a theory of roles within a marriage and household, wherein wives/mothers play the expressive role of a caregiver who takes care of socialization and emotional needs of others in the family, while the husband/father is responsible for the task role of earning money to support the family. In keeping with this thinking, a marriage often serves the function of dictating the social status of the spouses and the couple, and of creating a hierarchy of power between the couple. Societies in which the husband/father holds the most power in the marriage are known as patriarchies. Conversely, matriarchal societies are those in which wives/mothers hold the most power. Marriage also serves the social function of determining family names and lines of familial descent. In the U.S. and much of the Western world, we practice patrilineal descent, meaning the family name follows that of the husband/father. However, many cultures, including some within Europe and many in Central and Latin America, follow matrilineal descent. Today, it is common for newly married couples to create a hyphenated family name that preserves the named lineage of both sides, and for children to bear the surnames of both parents. Different Types of Marriages In the Western world, monogamous, heterosexual marriage is the most common form and is considered the norm. However, homosexual marriage is increasingly common and in many places, including the U.S., has been sanctioned by law and by many religious groups. This change in practice, law, and cultural norms and expectations for what a marriage is and how can participate in it reflects the fact that marriage itself is a social construct. Other forms of marriage that occur around the world include polygamy (a marriage of more than two spouses), polyandry (a marriage of a wife with more than one husband), and polygyny (the marriage of a husband with more than one wife). (In common usage, polygamy is often misused to refer to polygyny.) As such, the rules of marriage, the division of labor within a marriage, and what constitutes the roles of husbands, wives, and spouses generally are subject to change and are most often negotiated by the partners within the marriage, rather than firmly dictated by tradition. Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

How can the application of information and communication technology Essay

How can the application of information and communication technology (ICT) improve public services - Essay Example This implies that the public sector also needs to find tools and techniques to establish itself and work to attain the best results throughout their operations. This paper will examine the possibility of the public sector using information and communication technology (ICT) to improve public services. To this end, the paper would examine the areas that the public sector with the aid of information and communication technology. The research would be conducted through the use of a critical literature review which would critique authoritative sources for ideas and concepts that would be outlined in the essay. The subject is Public Management and Organisations . This is sources. You also can use your own sources. Asgarkhani, M. (2005). Digital government and its effectiveness in public management reform - A local government perspective. Public Management Review , 7, 3, 465-487. Brown, D. (2005). Electronic government and public administration. International Review of Administrative Sciences , 71, 2, 241-254. Dunleavy, P., Margetts, H., Bastow, S. and Tinkler, J. (2008) Digital Era Governance , Oxford, Oxford University Press. Dunleavy, P., Margetts, H., Bastow, S. and Tinkler, J. (2006) New public management is dead - long live digital-era governance, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory , 16, 3, 467-494. Flynn, N. (2010) Public Sector Management, 6 th Edition, Sage, London. Gasco, M. (2003). New technologies and institutional change in public administration. Social Science Computer Review , 21, 1, 6-14. Gil-Garcia, J. R., and Pardo, T. A. (2005). E-government success fact ors: Mapping practical tools to theoretical foundations. Government Information Quarterly , 22, 2, 187-216. Hatford S., Obstfelder, A. and Lotherington, A. (2009) Beyond implementation and resistance: how the delivery of ICT policy is reshaping healthcare, Policy and Politics , 37, 1, 113-128.

Regression Analysis Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Regression Analysis - Statistics Project Example The GDP of the UAE is the dependent variable, Y while the Exports and the imports of the UAE will be the dependent variables in the analysis (X1 and X2 respectively). The Pearson’s analysis of the relationship between the GDP and the Exports of the UAE (at 0.05 significant level) reveals that the Pearson’s correlation index, Ï =0.713. Comparing Ï  (Correlation index) to the significance level formulated during the analysis reveals that Ï Ã‹Æ'0.05. This infers that the correlation is not statistically significant. The statistical inference that can be made from the data used in this study thus reveals that the fact that imports in UAE have a positive relationship with the GDP occurred simply by chance. The sample data used in the reflection of the GDP of the country versus the indices of the experts do not reflect the occurrence when the whole â€Å"population data† was used. At a statistical level of 0.05, the analysis of the two variants, the GDP, and the imports of UAE reveals that Ï  is greater than the significance level, 0.05. When Ï Ã‹Æ' 0.05 (Statistical significance level) it infers that the correlation between the two variables is not statistically significant. This assertion means that the observation from the samples analyzed (the data from World Development Index) does not explicitly outline the relationship between the imports of the UAE and the GDP of the UAE. The multiple regression analysis estimates the coefficients of the linear equation especially in the cases where more than one independent variable exists.

Principles of International Insurance Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Principles of International Insurance Law - Essay Example Did it operate as an inducement to the insurer to enter into the policy In order to be entitled to avoid a contract of insurance or reinsurance on the ground of non-disclosure the insurer must show both that the fact not disclosed was material, and that its non-disclosure induced the contract. To be material a fact did not have to have a decisive influence on the mind of the prudent underwriter. The test is as stated in subsections 18(2) and 20(2) which relate to non-disclosure and misrepresentation respectively and which set out the common law principles relevant to non-marine (as well as marine) insurance. The material non-disclosure or misrepresentation must induce the contract. It is not sufficient that the non-disclosure or misrepresentation is material. ". . . there is to be implied in the Act of 1906 a qualification that a material representation will not entitle the underwriter to avoid the policy unless the misrepresentation induced the making of the contract, using "induced " in the sense in which it is used in the general law of contract" and "in practice the line between misrepresentation and non-disclosure is often imperceptible." The claimants insured their yacht with the defendants for a value as certified by an independent valuer. The defendants claimed he had misrepresented the value in the proposal. The words 'sum insured' indicated a ceiling on a claim on an unvalued policy. There was no indication from the insurers on the proposal form that they would agree the value, but rather they asked only for the value to be insured. The policy was therefore an unvalued policy. HIH Casualty and General Insurance Ltd and Others -v- Chase Manhattan Bank and Others [2001] 1 Lloyd's Rep 30 19 Sep 2000 QBD Aikens J Insurance, Media Casemap 1 Citers As a contract for speculation, a duty of utmost good faith is not implied in a contract insurance. The duty of disclosure by an insured can be limited by the contract as can the freedom of the insurance company to avoid liability. If the wording is clear enough, even a deliberate non-disclosure amounting concealment might be excused. Nevertheless the contract might be rescindable at the option of the insurer. Court: California Appellate Districts Topic: Civil Procedure, Contracts, Injury And Tort Law, Insurance Law Title: Wilson v. 21st Century Ins. Co. Date: 01/30/06 Case Number: B180323 Summary: Summary judgment for defendant-insurer in an action for breach of contract and tortious bad faith in adjusting plaintiff's underinsured motorist claim is reversed where triable issues of fact existed as to whether defendant failed to thoroughly investigate and evaluate plaintiff's claim, and plaintiff was entitled to additional discovery. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/viewcase.plcourt=0&subject=Insurance+Law&casenum=&party=&date1=&date3=&date2=&search=Search The insured purchased a house, converted it to two apartments and left Cape Breton to find work in British Columbia. The house remained vacant

Individual marketing article analysis which happened in 2012 Essay

Individual marketing article analysis which happened in 2012 - Essay Example This is realized from the different point of views as per different analysts of firms with interest in IPOs and general investments. Hersey (1991) argues that there is no much news expected even with companies tying their best within a week. The earliest that this could occur is December 17th with series of meetings so as to interact with potential investors. This has been caused by the new rules, which governs the process of going public. Another hindrance is Christmas, which will come in the middle of marketing and may last for at least one week. The presidential elections also interfered with many companies, which could have had deals before the end of the year. Gaiman (2009) argues, however, not all of the companies had this, there were exemptions who pitched shares just a day after voting due to high levels of confidence in gaining potential customers attention, according to the chief financial officer. It still remains tricky to strike deals before the end of the year. There is a backlog of companies who have signed IPOs initial documents waiting processing but still having the lowest recorded dollar value of IPOs backlog, since the year 2009. Lomborg (2012) argues, however, according to the new laws grading IPOs, companies will have their planning confidentially. Those with an annual revenue less than one billion US dollars will have submissions of prospectus done out of public view. This would remain for at least twenty one days before the company sets off. It has been argued that deals can be underway before the public get a glimpse of the idea (Walter & Howei, 2012). This is not what is reflected by the silence in the markets. Many companies have already put up terms on offer or some have had their deals postponed after pitching to investors. A possibility is that the companies could decide to enter the fray quickly. This may come as a surprise to many who are not aware of what is happening. A typical

Listening the mp3 file Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Listening the mp3 file - Essay Example This formed the basis of civilization of the Indus Valley. 1500 BC marks the last known evidence of this cultural development. The regionalization era is a period in which regional differences can be recognized while the integration era unites all these differences. Uniformity was a very strong feature of the whole of the Indus Valley. Everything was same all across the Valley ranging from pottery to architecture. This indicates a highly centralized administration. The final stage of the Indus Valley civilization developed at a very inconsistent speed. The only evidence we have today to study the Indus Valley is the material evidence. Mohenjodaro and Harappa are two of the most well studied cities in the Indus Valley civilization, and are thus the most important. Food in the Indus Valley was largely produced from barley and wheat. Foods include chicken, fish, chickpeas, sesame, and grapes, juju and dates. Mud-bricks and fire-bricks were used in architecture. Use of mud-brick was gen eral while that of fire-brick was particular. Indus Valley civilization was very strong at water management. Large water-holding tanks can be seen in the settlements. The train systems are particular characteristics of their landscapes. Highly stylized figurines made in soft clay and beadwork is particular skills of the Indus Valley civilization. Soft stone, lattice and turquoise are important in terms of stone work. Markets existed and commerce took place at the entrance to big urban centers of the Indus Valley. The Indus Valley had unique weight standards. Metal, typically copper and bronze became very common in the later stages of the civilization. Very little is known about the religion of people of the Indus Valley civilization. Developments in regional locations started in 4000 BC which was when the regionalization era commenced. Of all the different cities, Mehrgarh was the center of technological advancement in the Indus

Emotions in Romantic Relationships Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Emotions in Romantic Relationships - Article Example The abstract written for this article is very comprehensive and provide a good idea about the article in a brief. Literature review in an article helps in understanding the strength of the work carried out in the current research and the level of expertise of the authors. Literature review also helps in refreshing and updating the knowledge of the readers on the topic in debate. While presenting any work carried out on the topic by the time researcher presents his/her research work should be unbiased. The authors should bring in the account all the positive and negative; supporting and opposing pieces of evidence. The writers have tried very hard to address important aspects of literature view. In this regard, the authors address all the related issues in sizable volume with greater understanding. They have discussed various attachment strategies at almost all levels and provided the existing evidence which analyzed these strategies from all aspects. The have discussed positive and negative partner behaviors as well as longitudinal developmental perspective to support their rationale. Under the current study section, the subjects is so much elaborated that the authors included some of the items which should come under methodology sections, like: measurement approach, and measurement at various age levels, placed under this section. In the methodology section, a detailed account is provided regarding the who... stage, why these proportions of ethnic representation enrolled, were there any inclusion criteria If some participants were removed, were there any exclusion criteria These criteria are very important for selecting the participants without any bias. In this section, the authors provided some of the findings of the current study: in strict sense these should go to the result section as these findings belong to the same study. Otherwise, in a very comprehensive way, the authors describe methodology. They focus all the outcome variables. Various emotional variables at different age levels have been described. In fact, they have tried their best to include all the important areas on which data were collected and analyses carried out. Literature review also moves the debate in the direction developing a well-built rationale for the research work which he / she wants to present. Researchers have addressed the issue of building a strong rationale very well. Next to rational, objectives of any research activity play an integral role. In fact, objectives are the sole reason for conducting any research work. At times objectives are developed by the researcher but their presentation may not be appropriate. A good objective should be a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) one (http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2006/03/11/setting-smart-objectives/). The authors of this article have not been able to describe the objectives properly and clearly. A single sentence with very hard and heavy language has been inserted in the section on introduction; rather it should have been presented visibly with simple and understandable language. Data management is a group of activities conducted right from the time of the data collection