Family and marriage are two fundamental social institutions that regulate human relationships, reproduction, socialization, inheritance, and continuity of society. In social and cultural anthropology, they are studied not merely as private relationships but as culturally organized systems through which individuals acquire social identities, rights, duties, and responsibilities. Although their forms vary considerably across cultures, both institutions play an important role in maintaining social organization and cultural continuity. Marriage is a socially recognized and culturally sanctioned relationship between individuals that establishes rights and obligations concerning sexual relations, reproduction, economic cooperation, and family life. Anthropologists emphasize that marriage is not a universal institution with a single form. Different societies recognize different forms of marriage. Monogamy involves one husband and one wife, while polygyny permits a man to have more than one wife. Polyandry permits a woman to have more than one husband. Some societies also recognize forms of group marriage. Marriage may be arranged by families, based on individual choice, or involve combinations of both. Marriage