Sororate Marriage

Definition

Sororate marriage is a type of marriage practice where a man marries his deceased wife's sister or multiple sisters. This custom is found in some societies and cultures as a way to maintain family ties and ensure the care of the widow and her children after the death of the original wife.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sororate marriage is a common practice in some societies, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, as a way to maintain family ties and ensure the care of the widow and her children.
2. The custom of sororate marriage is often tied to the belief that a sister is the most suitable and trustworthy caretaker for the widow and her children.
3. Sororate marriage can also serve as a way to keep property and resources within the extended family, as the new wife is often already familiar with the family and its affairs.
4. In some cases, sororate marriage may be a requirement or strongly encouraged, while in others, it is more of a cultural preference or tradition.
5. The practice of sororate marriage has been criticized by some as a form of exploitation or control over women, as it can limit their autonomy and choices.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features and purpose of sororate marriage within the context of marriage and family structures across cultures.
  • Sororate marriage is a cultural practice where a man marries his deceased wife's sister or multiple sisters. This custom is often seen in societies as a way to maintain family ties and ensure the care and support of the widow and her children after the death of the original wife. The belief is that a sister is the most suitable and trustworthy caretaker for the widow and her children, and the practice can also serve to keep property and resources within the extended family. While sororate marriage may be a requirement or strongly encouraged in some cultures, it has also been criticized as a form of exploitation or control over women, as it can limit their autonomy and choices.
• Analyze how sororate marriage relates to other forms of marriage and family structures, such as levirate marriage and polygyny, and discuss the potential implications for women's rights and agency.
  • Sororate marriage is related to other forms of marriage and family structures, such as levirate marriage (where a man marries his deceased brother's widow) and polygyny (where a man is married to multiple wives). All of these practices involve the inheritance or acquisition of a woman by a male relative, often with the stated purpose of providing care and support for the widow and her children. However, these practices can also be seen as limiting women's autonomy and agency, as they may have little choice in who they marry or their role within the family. Sororate marriage, in particular, has been criticized for potentially exploiting women by requiring them to take on the responsibilities of their deceased sister's role, even if they may not have desired that. Understanding the cultural context and implications of these practices is crucial for evaluating their impact on women's rights and empowerment within different societies.
• Evaluate the cultural, social, and ethical implications of sororate marriage, considering both the potential benefits and drawbacks of this practice in the context of marriage and family structures across cultures.
  • Sororate marriage is a complex cultural practice that must be evaluated from multiple perspectives. On the one hand, it can be seen as a way to maintain family ties, ensure the care and support of widows and their children, and keep resources within the extended family. This may be particularly important in societies where women have limited economic opportunities or social status on their own. However, sororate marriage also raises significant ethical concerns, as it can be viewed as a form of control or exploitation of women. By requiring a woman to marry her deceased sister's husband, it limits her autonomy and choice in her own marital and family life. Additionally, sororate marriage may reinforce patriarchal power structures and gender inequalities within a society. Ultimately, the cultural, social, and ethical implications of this practice must be carefully considered, taking into account the specific context and the experiences and perspectives of the women involved. Balancing the potential benefits and drawbacks is crucial for evaluating the role of sororate marriage within the broader landscape of marriage and family structures across cultures.

Related terms

Levirate Marriage: A type of marriage where a man marries his deceased brother's widow, often to provide for the widow and her children.

Polygyny: A form of polygamy where a man is married to multiple wives at the same time.

Widow Inheritance: The practice of a widow being inherited by a relative of her deceased husband, often a brother-in-law.