ekteskaps

Ekteskap, or marriage, is a legally or socially recognized union between individuals that establishes rights and obligations between spouses, and often with respect to children. It functions as a framework for family formation, economic cooperation, and social legitimacy in many cultures. Definitions of who may marry and the purposes of marriage vary across societies and legal systems.

Historically, marriage has served economic, political, and kinship objectives, transitioning from arranged alliances to more autonomous unions in many parts of the world. Legal recognition of marriage evolved through civil law and religious traditions, with modern systems distinguishing between civil marriage and religious or customary ceremonies. Jurisdictions regulate eligibility, consent, and formal ceremony through licenses or acts of recognition.

Types of marriage include civil, religious, and customary forms, with some jurisdictions recognizing same-sex marriages. In many places, a marriage is governed by both legal consent and age requirements, and some cultures practice arranged marriages or union by consent in families, while others prohibit forced marriage. Polygamy is legally restricted or forbidden in most countries but persists in a few regions under customary or religious law.

Rights and duties arising from marriage commonly cover mutual support, joint decision making, inheritance, taxation, and parental responsibilities. The relationship may be terminated by dissolution (divorce) or, in some cases, by annulment. Divorce laws address property division, alimony, and child custody, with procedures varying widely by jurisdiction.

In contemporary societies, marriage trends include later age at first marriage, increased cohabitation without formal marriage, and broader recognition of same-sex partnerships. While the institution remains a central social unit in many cultures, norms and laws continue to evolve, reflecting changes in gender equality, mobility, and family structures.