This book is the first to analyze marriage sociologically as a form of life in its own right, with regard to its many aspects. Current problems are addressed, such as child marriages, forced marriages, the increase in childless marriages and the rise in divorces. Historical flashbacks will enable the reader to recognize what is special at the present time. The aim of this book is to identify and discuss open questions and current problems and to show how they are changing.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Rosemarie Nave-Herz , Universitätsprofessorin, Institut für Sozialwissenschaften, Universität Oldenburg