Concept & Types of Marriage – JSS2 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define marriage;
• state the roles marriage plays in the family and in society;
• name and describe the three types of marriage in Nigeria;
• explain monogamy, polygamy and polyandry.

What is marriage?

Marriage is the legalised coming together of a man and a woman to live as husband and wife. It is a legal relationship that exists between two mature people of the opposite sex for procreation and fellowship.

A normal marriage relationship must receive the consent or backing of the families of the man and the woman.

Marriage gives the man the role of providing for the needs of the family and the woman the role of homemaker and manager.

It also provides a medium through which societal values, norms and beliefs are passed to the next generation through the process of socialisation.

What are the types of marriage in Nigeria?

There are three types of marriage in Nigeria:

1. Religious marriage (Christian and Islamic marriage)
2. Traditional marriage
3. Court marriage

Religious marriage

There are two types of religious marriage in Nigeria: Christian marriage and Islamic marriage.

Christian marriage

This is the joining together of a man and a woman in a church by a priest, pastor or any man of God to become husband and wife.

Christian marriage recognises monogamy. Monogamy means one man having only one wife.

A certificate is signed by the couple, the clergyman and the witnesses of the couple. This certificate makes the marriage legally binding.

Islamic marriage

This is a marriage solemnised according to Islamic religious injunctions. It is normally called “Nikah”. It is conducted in the mosque or in a private home by a recognised Imam, in the presence of the couple, their families, friends and well-wishers.

At the end of the ceremony, a certificate is signed by the couple, the Imam and family representatives, and given to the couple. This makes the marriage legally binding.

Unlike Christian marriage, Islamic marriage allows polygamy. This means that the man is free to marry more than one wife.

Traditional or customary marriage

This is the kind of marriage performed according to African tradition or culture. The form it takes differs from one culture or tribe to another.

During the ceremony, the husband pays the bride price, either in cash or in kind, depending on the practice of the community where the ceremony takes place. Like Islamic marriage, traditional marriage allows polygamy.

Court or ordinance marriage

This is also known as marriage under the Marriage Act. It is usually conducted in a marriage registry by the marriage registrar.

It is usually witnessed by the families, friends and well-wishers of the couple, and a certificate is issued to the couple. Like Christian marriage, it allows monogamy, that is, one man and one woman. However, the couple can ask for a divorce if they cannot live together as husband and wife. This can only take place after five years of marriage.

What are the forms of marriage?

The three forms of marriage are:

1. Monogamy
2. Polygamy
3. Polyandry

Monogamy

This form of marriage allows a man to marry only one wife. Christian marriage and marriage under the Marriage Act are monogamous.

Polygamy

This is a form of marriage where a man marries more than one wife at the same time. Islamic marriage and traditional marriage allow polygamy.

Polyandry

This is a form of marriage where a woman marries more than one man at the same time.

Evaluation

1. Define marriage.
2. List the three types of marriage in Nigeria.
3. Who signs the certificate in a Christian marriage?
4. Which types of marriage allow polygamy?
5. What is the difference between polygamy and polyandry?

Assignment

1. Explain traditional marriage and say what the husband pays during the ceremony.
2. State two differences between Christian marriage and Islamic marriage.