Write a short note on if you are to conduct fieldwork on the theme of ‘Marriage’, suggest which theory you would use and why.

Selecting a Theory for Fieldwork on Marriage

For fieldwork on the theme of "Marriage," one theory that would be particularly useful is Structural-Functionalism. This theoretical perspective, developed by anthropologists such as Bronisław Malinowski and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown, focuses on the ways in which social institutions, such as marriage, serve specific functions in maintaining social order and stability within a society.

1. Understanding Social Functions

Structural-Functionalism provides a framework for understanding the social functions of marriage across different cultural contexts. By examining the roles, norms, and rituals associated with marriage within a particular society, researchers can identify the functions that marriage serves, such as regulating sexual behavior, establishing kinship ties, and organizing economic cooperation.

2. Analyzing Social Structure

Marriage is deeply embedded within the social structure of a society, influencing patterns of kinship, family organization, and social stratification. Structural-Functionalism offers insights into how marriage contributes to the maintenance of social cohesion, the reproduction of social norms, and the transmission of cultural values across generations. By analyzing the structural dimensions of marriage, researchers can elucidate its role in shaping broader social dynamics and relationships.

3. Exploring Social Change

Structural-Functionalism also allows for the examination of how changes in marriage patterns and practices reflect broader social changes within a society. By comparing historical and contemporary forms of marriage, researchers can analyze how social, economic, and cultural factors influence the institution of marriage and its functions over time. This perspective facilitates the exploration of continuity and change in marital norms, roles, and expectations.

4. Practical Applications

By employing Structural-Functionalism in fieldwork on marriage, researchers can gain insights that have practical applications in areas such as family policy, gender equality, and social welfare. Understanding the functions and dynamics of marriage within a particular cultural context can inform the development of interventions and programs aimed at supporting healthy relationships, addressing social inequalities, and promoting family well-being.

In conclusion, Structural-Functionalism provides a valuable theoretical framework for conducting fieldwork on the theme of marriage. Its focus on the social functions, structural dimensions, and dynamics of marriage allows researchers to analyze the institution within its broader social context, identify patterns of continuity and change, and explore its implications for individuals and societies. By employing Structural-Functionalism in fieldwork, researchers can deepen our understanding of marriage as a social institution and its role in shaping human relationships and societies.