Back to: Jss2 Social Studies (NVE)

The Conditions for Marriage

Marriage is a legal and social union between two individuals that involves emotional, physical, and legal commitments. It is an important aspect of human life that has been around for centuries and is deeply embedded in cultural and social norms. While the concept of marriage may differ across cultures and religions, there are certain universal conditions that must be met in order for a marriage to be legally recognized. These conditions for marriage vary from country to country and can be based on factors such as age, gender, legal status, and consent. In this topic, we will explore the different conditions for marriage that exist around the world and the significance of these requirements in shaping the institution of marriage.

The Conditions for Marriage Are as Follows:

1. Age: In most countries, individuals must be of a certain age to marry legally. This age varies by location but typically ranges from 16-18 years old.
2. Consent: Both parties must consent to the marriage, meaning they must agree to marry each other without any form of coercion or force.
3. Mental capacity: Both parties must be mentally capable of understanding the decision to get married.
4. Gender: Marriage should be allowed between any two consenting adults, regardless of gender.
5. Monogamy: The expectation of monogamy is often included in the marriage contract, meaning the couple agrees to be sexually exclusive to one another.
6. No bigamy: Bigamy is the act of marrying someone while still being legally married to another person. This is not allowed in most countries and is a punishable offense.
7. No incest: Marriage between close relatives (such as siblings, parents and children, or first cousins) is prohibited in most societies.
8. No polygamy: Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, which is not legal in most countries.
9. Financial stability: The couple should be financially stable to support themselves and any future family they may have.
10. Health: The couple should be free from any contagious diseases or conditions that may put their partner at risk.
11. No criminal records: Individuals with a criminal history may be prohibited from getting married, depending on the severity of the crime and the laws of the country.
12. No mental illness: Individuals with severe mental illness may not be allowed to marry, depending on their ability to make rational decisions.
13. Divorce: Couples who have been previously married must provide proof of divorce before they can get married again.
14. Waiting period: In some countries, there may be a waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and the actual wedding ceremony.
15. Legal immigration status: In some countries, individuals must have legal immigration status to get married

Effects of Lack of Readiness in Marriage Relationship

1. It results in marital separation and divorce.
2. It leads to impoverishment.
3. It frequently exposes children to needless abuse from one or both parents, as well as from outsiders.
4. It hinders the development of a friendly relationship between parents and their children.
5. It may compel young girls to engage in premarital sex, resulting in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS.
6. The children are susceptible to numerous hazards.
7. It can lead to emotional and psychological trauma for both parents and children, causing long-lasting effects.
8. It may result in a loss of support from extended family and friends, leading to isolation and loneliness.
9. It can create financial instability and uncertainty for both parents, affecting their ability to provide for themselves and their children.
10. It may result in a disruption of the children’s education, as they may have to change schools or miss classes due to the upheaval caused by the separation.

Challenges or Problems in Marriage

1. Separation: Separation in marriage occurs when the couple no longer lives together, often due to misunderstandings and constant arguments between the husband and wife.
2. Divorce: Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage and is often the most significant challenge that couples face in their relationship.
3. Quarrelling: Consistent fighting and arguments between partners can ultimately lead to divorce.
4. Financial Instability: Economic instability arises when couples struggle to meet the basic financial needs of the family, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
5. Parenting: Raising and properly upbringing children can also be a significant challenge for couples.
6. Infertility: Barrenness, which refers to the inability of the wife to conceive and bear children, can lead to marital issues and potentially even divorce.
7. Infidelity: Extra-marital affairs by either partner can cause misunderstandings and ultimately lead to divorce.
8. Disapproval by family: When either partner’s family does not approve of the marriage, it can create serious challenges for the couple.
9. Family interference: Interference from family members, whether from the wife or husband’s side, can also cause misunderstandings and issues in the marriage.
10. Bereavement: The loss of one partner through death poses a significant challenge to the family and can be particularly difficult for the surviving spouse.
11. Cultural Differences: Marriage between individuals from different cultural backgrounds can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts due to differences in values, beliefs, and traditions.
12. Addiction: Substance abuse or addiction can cause significant problems in a marriage, often leading to feelings of neglect, mistrust, and resentment.
13. Physical and Emotional Abuse: Domestic violence, either physical or emotional, can cause irreparable damage to a marriage and put the victim’s safety at risk.
14. Sexual Incompatibility: Differences in sexual preferences, desires, or performance can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction, causing tension in the marriage.
15. Career Conflicts: When one partner’s career or professional aspirations conflict with the other’s, it can cause stress, resentment, and even lead to separation or divorce.

Solutions to Marital Challenges

1. Forgiveness: It is important for couples to be able to forgive each other whenever an offense is committed in their marriage.
2. Tolerance: Couples should learn to tolerate each other’s weaknesses and differences in order to build a strong and lasting relationship.
3. Trust: Building a relationship on trust and mutual understanding is essential for a successful marriage.
4. Faithfulness: Being faithful to each other is vital for a healthy and happy marriage.
5. Mutual Respect: Respecting each other is crucial in reducing challenges in a marriage and promoting cooperation.
6. Avoidance of Intrusion: It is important for couples to settle their problems between themselves and avoid unnecessary interference from friends and relatives.
7. Seeking Good Counsel: Seeking help from a good counselor, such as a religious leader, can also help to solve marital challenges and problems.
8. Love: Love is the most important factor that promotes a good marital relationship. Couples should make an effort to love and cherish each other. They should prioritize spending quality time together and appreciate each other’s company. Expressing affection and support can help to build a strong and lasting bond between the two partners.
9. Communication: Communication is key in any relationship, and couples should make an effort to communicate openly and honestly with each other. This helps to build trust, strengthen the relationship, and prevent misunderstandings.
10. Compromise: In any relationship, there will be differences of opinion and conflicting interests. Couples should be willing to compromise and find a mutually acceptable solution to any disagreement.
11. Patience: Marriage can be challenging, and it takes patience to navigate the ups and downs of a long-term relationship. Partners should be patient with each other and avoid being quick to anger or frustration.
12. Shared Goals: Having shared goals and aspirations can help couples to work together towards a common purpose. This can include goals for the future, such as buying a home, starting a family, or traveling together. Having shared goals helps to create a sense of unity and strengthens the bond between partners.