The Meaning of Marriage and Family - Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to marriage and family from the lecture notes.

Family (US Census Bureau definition)

A householder and one or more people living in the same household who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption; all related people in the household are considered members of the family.

Family (Family Science definition)

Two or more persons related by birth, marriage, adoption, or choice; based on love, respect, commitment, responsibility to each other, and identifying one another as family.

Institutional Marriage

A needs-based, formal marriage regulated by law, social norms, and religion; prioritizes family stability over individual needs and aims to meet basic physiological and safety needs.

Romanticized Marriage

Mid-19th to early 20th century model emphasizing love as a precondition for marriage; still some gender separation and limited leisure time for partners.

Companionate Marriage

Early 20th century model emphasizing deep intimacy and companionship; fewer gender restrictions and more couple-based activities; marriage as a central social relationship.

Self-Expressive Marriage

Late 20th century to present; marriage viewed as a means of personal growth and self-expression; birth control increases choice; marriage seen as one lifestyle option among many.

Monogamy

One spouse at a time; legally the recognized form in the US; can include serial monogamy (divorce and remarriage).

Polygyny

One man with two or more wives.

Polyandry

One woman with two or more husbands.

Polygamy

Marriage system involving more than one spouse at the same time; includes both polygyny and polyandry.

Polyamory

Multiple simultaneous romantic or sexual relationships with the knowledge and consent of all involved.

Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM)

Multiple partners with consent and transparency about the arrangement.

Open Relationship

A primary relationship that allows outside partners to varying degrees of involvement and commitment.

Swinging

Couples exchanging sexual partners with consent.

Monogamish

Primarily monogamous, but allows occasional casual sex outside the relationship with mutual agreement.

Family of Origin (FOO)

The family into which one is born or raised (birth/adoptive family).

Family of Procreation

The family formed through marriage and childbearing.

Family of Cohabitation

Families formed by living with a partner, whether married or unmarried.

Family of Choice

Families chosen for support, often not related by blood or legal ties.

Nuclear Family

Two parents and their children living together.

Extended Family

In-laws, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins; multigenerational connections and households.

Modified Extended Family

Extended family support outside the household and broader care networks.

Functions of Family

Relationships (intimacy, protection, emotional security), children (production, socialization), economic (cooperation, division of labor), and roles (identity, status, values).

Status of Women

Historical shifts toward economic independence and legal equality; rights to divorce, own property, vote, and control life choices.

Advantages of Marriage

Economic and social benefits; generally better child well-being in married families; government benefits and tax advantages; single mothers more likely to live in poverty.

Forms of Marriage

Monogamy (one spouse at a time), Polygyny (one man with multiple wives), Polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands).