Marriage as a Social Institution: Summary & Exercise by Steven L. Nock

Marriage as a Social Institution: Summary & Exercise by Steven L. Nock

Summary of Marriage as A Social Institution The Summary of the essay ‘Marriage as a Social Institution’ is written by Stephen L. Nock. In this essay, the author examines the national marriage debate by reviewing the social and demographic trends that have changed the role of marriage and the family. He views that marriage and parenthood are private matters, relevant only to the individuals directly involved. He points out the programs that have strengthened marital relationships, lowered divorce rates, reduced out-of-wedlock births, and encouraged responsible fatherhood.  A marriage is much more than the sum of two spouses. It is also a relationship defined by legal, moral, and conventional assumptions and has a variety of close personal relationships and associations.  The spouses are united are legally, morally, and socially by various personal and societal connections. Marriage as a social institution is examined carefully as a major social structure that impacts males. In this essay…