Basic 9 · Social Studies · The Family
Marriage as a Social Institution
In this topic you will examine the importance of marriage as a social institution in Ghana, including types of marriage, responsibilities and challenges.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain marriage as a social institution
- Describe types of marriage in Ghana
- Discuss the importance and challenges of marriage
What you already know
- Family systems
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Family Life
- Sub-strand
- The Family
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.1.1 – Examine the importance of marriage as a social institution in Ghana
Introduction
Every society has rules about marriage. This shows how important it is to the life of a community.
1. What Is a Social Institution?
Social institution: An established way in which a society organises an important part of life.
Institutions include the family, schools, religion, government and marriage. They have rules, roles and traditions, and they outlive any individual. Marriage is a social institution because it is recognised by society and the law, it carries duties and it shapes how families are formed. A wedding is an event, but marriage is an institution.
2. Types of Marriage in Ghana
| Type | Key features |
|---|---|
| customary | families agree, gifts given; polygyny possible |
| ordinance | registered, one spouse only |
| Islamic | contract under Islamic rules; registered |
| Form | Meaning |
|---|---|
| monogamy | one husband and one wife |
| polygyny | one husband and more than one wife |
| polyandry | one wife and more than one husband (rare) |
3. Requirements for Marriage
| Requirement | Reason |
|---|---|
| legal age of 18 | protects children |
| consent of both | no forced marriage |
| not closely related | custom and health |
| not already married (ordinance) | monogamy |
The Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) sets 18 as the minimum age of marriage, and forced marriage is an offence. Article 28 of the Constitution protects children. Child marriage remains a problem in some areas, especially in the north, and it often ends a girl's education. Reporting it can protect a child.
4. Functions of Marriage
| Function | Explanation |
|---|---|
| companionship | husband and wife support each other |
| procreation | having children |
| raising children | providing care and values |
| social status | respect in society |
| legal rights | property and inheritance |
| joining families | linking kin groups |
5. Preparing for Marriage
Marriage is a serious commitment. It should wait until a person is mature, both emotionally and financially. Couples should know each other well, and discuss their values, religion, money and whether to have children. Pre-marital counselling, offered by churches, mosques and family elders, helps. Tests for sickle cell, HIV and other conditions are advised. Choosing a good partner is one of the biggest decisions in life, so do not rush it.
New words
- social institution
- An established way of organising life.
- monogamy
- Having one spouse.
- polygyny
- Having more than one wife.
- procreation
- Having children.
Summary
- Marriage is a social institution with rules and duties.
- Ghana recognises customary, ordinance and Islamic marriages.
- Marriage needs maturity, consent and preparation.
Class activity: Marriage Compare
- Compare the three types of marriage.
- Make a table.
- Discuss which rights each gives.
You need: Wedding ring, Kente cloth sample, Printed photographs of Ghanaian marriage ceremonies
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. One husband and one wife is…
- A. monogamy
- B. polygyny
- C. polyandry
- D. divorce
Show answer
Answer: monogamyTerm.2. The legal minimum age of marriage in Ghana is…
- A. 18
- B. 12
- C. 15
- D. 21
Show answer
Answer: 18Law.3. Forced marriage is an offence.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLaw.4. Having children is ______.
Show answer
Answer: procreationTerm.5. State three functions of marriage.
Show answer
Answer: Companionship, procreation and raising children.Any three.6. Why is marriage called a social institution?
Show answer
Answer: It is recognised by society and the law, with rules and duties.Term.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Family Life
- Sub-strand
- The Family
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.1.1 – Examine the importance of marriage as a social institution in Ghana
Introduction
A strong marriage benefits a couple, their children and the whole community. A failing one causes pain for all.
1. Importance of Marriage
| To whom | Importance |
|---|---|
| couple | companionship, love, support |
| children | a stable home |
| extended family | new relationships |
| community | order and stability |
| nation | responsible citizens |
2. Responsibilities of Spouses
| Responsibility | Example |
|---|---|
| love and respect | no insults or violence |
| faithfulness | remaining loyal |
| financial support | both contributing |
| shared decisions | discussing plans |
| caring for children | sharing care |
| respect for in-laws | keeping good relations |
Modern Ghanaian law and thinking stress equality between spouses. Article 22 of the Constitution protects the property rights of spouses. A marriage succeeds when both people work at it. Roles can be shared according to ability, and not simply according to tradition.
3. Challenges
| Challenge | Effect |
|---|---|
| financial pressure | stress and quarrels |
| infidelity | loss of trust and health risks |
| interference by in-laws | conflict |
| domestic violence | injury, fear |
| poor communication | misunderstanding |
| high wedding costs | debt |
| childlessness | family pressure |
4. Solving Problems
Couples should talk honestly, and listen to each other. Elders, religious leaders and professional counsellors can help. When there is violence, the priority is safety. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the police and the Department of Social Welfare can assist. Divorce is possible under the law, but it is a last resort, and it affects children. Courts can decide on custody and property.
5. Attitudes to Marriage
Attitudes are changing. Young people often marry later, as they complete their education and find work. Some people face pressure to marry or to have children. It is important to respect people's choices, including those who do not marry or who cannot have children. A person's worth does not depend on whether they are married. What matters is how they treat others.
6. Marriage and the Law
Couples should register their marriages, as this protects both spouses and their children. A registered marriage gives clear evidence if there is a dispute over property.
New words
- spouse
- A husband or wife.
- infidelity
- Being unfaithful to a spouse.
- custody
- The legal care of a child.
- in-laws
- Relatives of one's spouse.
Summary
- Marriage benefits couples, children and society.
- Spouses share responsibilities.
- Problems need communication, and violence needs urgent help.
Class activity: Advice Column
- Read a marriage problem.
- Write advice.
- Discuss it respectfully.
You need: Wedding ring, Kente cloth sample, Printed photographs of Ghanaian marriage ceremonies
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A husband or wife is a…
- A. spouse
- B. cousin
- C. guest
- D. tenant
Show answer
Answer: spouseTerm.2. Which body helps with domestic violence?
- A. DOVVSU
- B. ECG
- C. GRA
- D. WAEC
Show answer
Answer: DOVVSUInstitution.3. Article 22 protects spouses' property rights.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueConstitution.4. The legal care of a child is ______.
Show answer
Answer: custodyTerm.5. State three challenges of marriage.
Show answer
Answer: Financial pressure, infidelity and poor communication.Any three.6. Why might marriage be delayed today?
Show answer
Answer: People complete education and find work first.Change.
Homework
- Ask a married elder for advice on a good marriage, and write it down.