Ahana Kumar - Assignment

What do you understand by "deinstitutionalization" of marriage?
Explain with
examples.
Marriage is a social, legal and sexual union between two individual members of
society. Traditionally, this is an institution that has always been a fundamental part of
many societies worldwide. The concept of marriage has undergone many changes
alongside changes in social, economic, cultural and ideological contexts. Andrew
Cherlin, in his article ‘The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage’ discusses, as
the name suggests, the deinstitutionalization of marriages, specifically in Western
contexts (mainly American).
The concept of deinstitutionalization of marriages is defined as ‘the weakening of the

social norms that define people’s behaviour in a social institution such as marriage –
basically the expansion of the concept of marriage to include the so-called
unconventional definitions as well, the evolution of marriage highly structured
institution governed by social and cultural norms to a more fluid and personalised
arrangement.
Cherlin explores the factors and social changes contributing to the

deinstitutionalisation of marriage such as the rise of female participation in the
workspace have reshaped family dynamics. The decline of rigid traditional gender
roles have led to more individual autonomy in marital decisions and relationships,
leading to an eventual decline in the societal pressure to marry. Historically
oppressed communities like women have options for pursuing and prioritising their
education and careers, giving them financial freedom and reducing/ eliminating their
need to depend on their male partners for fulfilment. Moreover, the acceptance of
live-in relationships that is where unmarried partners live together as well as the
acceptance of the concept of divorce has changed the nature of modern marriages.
We can see an example of contextual differences in love and marriage in the

contrast between Ancient Greek and modern Western societies. In Ancient Greece,
marriage was crucial for procreation, based on practical and pragmatic purposes
such as social status rather than compatibility. Romantic relationships as a concept
more so existed as portrayals in literature and art.
Contemporary Western societies have dynamic and flexible ideas of marriage, for
instance, the legalisation of same sex marriages. The concept of marriage has
expanded and diversified its horizons and is mainly centred around romantic love,
intimacy and companionship.
The key dimensions of deinstitutionalization, according to Cherlin include the decline

of influence on traditional social norms (regarding marriage, roles within a marriage,
love and intimacy) , diversification of family forms (including the so-called
unconventional arrangements such as same sex marriages, live in relationships and
vice versa), the expansion of ideas surrounding commitment and monogamy and the
decoupling of marriage and parenthood i.e. the loosening of the bonds between the
two, as rates of child bearing and cohabitation between couples outside of marriage
increase. Deinstitutionalization of marriage has a number of causes, including the
increase of female labour in the workforce, loosening of gender roles within society,
the increased popularity of the concept of individualism, legal and cultural shifts in
the society.
A relevant example of how marriage has become deinstitutionalized is the concept of

cohabitation. Cohabitation basically refers to the arrangement of couples living
together. In conservative societies such as India, cohabitation amongst unmarried
couples is taboo and frowned upon at large. The expansion of this concept was
significant within the 1970s-90s time bracket. Kiernan (2002) observes how
cohabitation is becoming accepted as an alternative to marriage, and how it occurs
in stages in European societies — stage one treats cohabitation almost as an
experiment, stage two is acceptance and stage three is where it becomes
acceptable as an alternative to marriage, with stage four being the final stage where
cohabitation becomes indistinguishable from marriage. Research also shows that the
connection between marriage and cohabitation is weakening. Several countries at
present legally recognize and give rights to unmarried cohabitating couples.
Another, somewhat controversial example of deinstitutionalization of marriage is

seen in same sex marriages. Same sex marriages are legally recognized in 36
countries of the world, though homosexuality is legal in around 133. Same sex
marriages are considered non-conventional and its acceptance in these countries
suggests the loosening of traditional marital concepts and ideals in these societies,
that is, deinstitutionalization. Though we must note there has been a lot of debate
over same sex marriages being deemed “unconventional”.
The deinstitutionalization of marriage offers inclusivity, flexibility and adaptability.

However, just as most new social phenomena do, it is not free from threats to social
stability. Cherlin’s exploration of the deinstitutionalization of marriage offers a
nuanced view into family life, society and social changes related to and influencing
the family structure and the future implications of these changes on American
society.

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What do you understand by "deinstitutionalization" of marriage?

The concept of deinstitutionalization of marriages is defined as ‘the weakening of the

Cherlin explores the factors and social changes contributing to the

We can see an example of contextual differences in love and marriage in the

The key dimensions of deinstitutionalization, according to Cherlin include the decline

A relevant example of how marriage has become deinstitutionalized is the concept of

Another, somewhat controversial example of deinstitutionalization of marriage is

The deinstitutionalization of marriage offers inclusivity, flexibility and adaptability.

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