Marriage as Social Institution

Marriage as Social Institution

Marriage is the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments and religious ceremonies.

Every marriage requires commitment, dedication and work. An international/intercultural marriage requires even more attention because of the many obstacles that a couple faces.
The obstacles come from family, friends, personal values, expectations, and bureaucratic procedures. Some of the problems these relationships face include:
• Language Barrier
• Differences in Values
• Religious Conflicts
• Sex Role Expectations
• Economic Adjustments
• Fear of Abandonment by Family, Friends, Spouse
• Political Issues
• Legal Complications
To overcome these barriers, intercultural couples need to:
• Learn about one another's cultures.
• Communicate well in at least one language.
• Be open and honest with their families.
• Accept that cultural roots go deep and that people don't change easily or quickly.
• Focus on the positives.
• Look at what they have in common with one another.
• Talk with one another about which traditions they want to carry on as a couple and with their children.
• Discuss their expectations in the areas of mealtimes, holidays, finances, sex, chores and roles.
• Look at why it is difficult to let go of a tradition or expectation.
It isn't easy to deal with the legacy that we've all grown up with in our ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Couples have said that the first five years of this type of marriage are the hardest.
The key to a successful intercultural marriage is to develop understanding and patience.