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Marriage - - What is Marriage?

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com

Photo: Pinnacle Pictures / Getty ImagesPhoto: Pinnacle Pictures / Getty Images
Definition: A question we often receive is "What is marriage?" In order to define marriage, you need to look at not only the historical period, but also on the geographical location and the cultural traditions of the individuals involved in the marriage relationship.

A general definition of marriage is that it is a social contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically and emotionally.

Being married also gives legitimacy to sexual relations within the marriage.

Forms of marriage include:
Common Misspellings: marraige
Examples: President George W. Bush: "What I do support is a notion that marriage is between a man and a woman."
Source: "Bush uncertain about gay marriage ban."CNN.com. 7/2/2003.

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