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An intimate, mutually satisfying relationship between two or more mates is a universal phenomenon seen among animals as well as humans. There are even species of birds and mammals that practice a form of monogamy and remain faithful to one mate. In humans the institution of marriage has varied with the culture, ranging from polygamy and polyandry to the presently most prevalent monogamy. Whatever form marriage took in any culture, there is no doubt that the institution fulfilled compelling needs. Now we are witnessing an exceedingly high divorce rate, which would seem to indicate a weakening of the institution of marriage. However, this is not necessarily so. Federal statistics report that marriage is more popular with Americans now than at any time in the nation's history. More than two-thirds of all Americans over the age of 14 are married, whereas in 1890, only half of the Americans of that age bracket were married. More marriages were performed in 1970 than in any year since the postwar boom in 1946.
The high rate of remarriage among the divorced indicates that evidently marriage still fulfills many important needs—social, sexual, and psychological. Among the social needs may be included a financial and economic partnership. The married couple becomes a social and legal unit for accumulating, holding, and passing on property. It is also the nucleus of a family unit in which children are reared. The traditional home includes father, mother, and children.
Initially, it is usually a sexual attraction that brings together a boy and girl or man and woman. Personality and social requirements also play a large part. Still, the underlying impetus or urge is sexual. Although one can obtain sexual gratification outside of marriage, and we know that this is common, such relations can be unreliable and temporary, and certainly do not receive the sanction given to marital sex relations. It is only in marriage that sexual intimacy wins religious, legal, and complete parental ap