1. How do anthropologists define marriage? What types of marriage are also identified? Also, watch one of the films in the course playlist pertaining to polygamy. Remember to think like an anthropologist and provide advantages and disadvantages to each type of marriage.
Marriage can be defined as a legal union of people coming together, combing their resources, and committing to their partner(s). It functions more than just a union of two people and may have a much broader significance than the relationship between husband and wife. Marriage brings families together and expands families by having children. It also provides information of the growth of families from one generation to the next (Dettwyler, 2011).
There are two types of marriages, monogamy and polygamy. Monogamy is a two person union (Dettwyler, 2011). The couple vows to stay married and faithful to their partner. Within monogamy there is serial monogamy. A serial monogamist has many partners but, is only married to one at a time. One continues to remarry after previous marriages have failed ending in a divorce. There is also monogamy arranged marriages. Partners in the marriage are chosen by parents’ and is based off of the social standing of the families, rather than certain personality traits one chooses to marry (Dettwyler, 2011). That marriage is for establishing a household and raising children. However, Dettwyler (2011) states, “the couple is not expected to love each other” (p.167)
The other type of marriage is Polygamy. Polygamy is where there are multiple people involved in a marriage. There is Polygyny, where the marriage is between one man and multiple wives (Dettwyler, 2011). This type of marriage allows the man to have a large number of offspring. Within polygyny there is Sororal polygyny, this is where the man marries two or more sisters (Dettwyler, 2011). The advantage here is that the co-wives already know each other. Another type of polygamy is Polyandry, which refers to a marriage of one woman with multiple husbands. Though the women is limited in the number of offspring she can have in her life time. Dettwyler (2011) states, “these marriages are very rare and are only seen where population growth is kept at minimum” (p.173).
Monogamy marriages are most common. Since relationships are complicated enough as they are, being married to only one person is most desirable to many. The notion of a romantic marriage is most ideal. Two people able to choose who they love and procreate with. However, there are often higher divorce rates among these marriages. Couples fall out of love and easily move on. With arranged marriages you may not love each other initially but, there are much lower rate of divorce. The marriage is stronger due to family support. Polygamy both polygyny and polyandry have a benefit of multiple spouses. They are able to share household duties or contribute financially relationship. The marriage is strongly based on religious values. In any marriage or family there can be abuse. But with polygyny there is no way for the young girls to seek help. Often being married off underage which is illegal and not ideal for young girls. Regardless of the type of marriage, those based on religious beliefs usually last longer.

2. Discuss the difference between internal and external social controls. Why are they necessary to maintain an ordered society? Internal and external controls are both necessary to maintain order in society. They are learned through elders, peers, and media teaching younger children acceptable behaviors (Dettwyler, 2011). One learns through trial and error. One can also learn based on the group’s reaction whether the behavior is acceptable or not. In addition, Dettwyler (2011) states “you learn from watching others and imitating what they do” (p. 204). Eventually these beliefs are internalized and become behavior of one’s conscience. Enculturation internalizes beliefs and behavior that children are taught. The majority of enculturation of learned by living in society.
External controls are imposed on a person from outside of their conscience. The sanctions are imposed by other members of society. Positive sanctions from others forms ones’ behavior. Such as receiving a reward to praising good behavior (Dettwyler, 2011). Negative sanctions from others also forms ones behavior; by reprimanding when one acts are unacceptable to the society. Both positive and negative sanctions can be verbal or physical; they may be primarily emotion based. Dettwyler (2011) states “they may be formalized into rules, regulations and laws (p. 207).
Both internal and external controls are needed -in every society. If one is not taught the acceptable internal controls as a child, once grown up the external controls will hopefully guide behavior and vise versa. If one has learned the internal controls as a child they will have a moral compass. They will be aware of external controls and abide them. Without these two controls society would be chaos. People would not know which behaviors are wrong or acceptable. Reference
Dettwyler, k. (2011). Cultural Anthropology and Human Experience. Long grove, IL: Wave press