Patterns of action in early marriage from a religious and systems theory perspective

Abstract

This research aims to understand the social action dynamics of individuals involved in early marriage, using Max Weber's theory of social action, with a particular focus on systems theory and religion. The type of research used is a literature review. The literature reviewed in this study includes research reports, publications in books and journals on early marriage, as well as studies on systems theory and religion. Early marriage is a form of social action that generally arises from non-rational motives. The only rational justification is value-oriented rationality, which is driven by religious values, with the hope that marriage will protect the couple from immoral acts, such as adultery. From the perspective of Talcott Parsons' systems theory, early marriage can be viewed as a social phenomenon with ontological aspects. In the context of Niklas Luhmann's General Systems Theory, two families who plan to marry off their children agree to establish boundaries and foundations that govern their respective family members' marriage plans. These agreements are closed and binding only to the two families involved, not to the broader environment. The environment acts solely as a witness to the agreements between the two parties. When it becomes known that their children must obtain permission from the Religious Court due to being underage, they involve other elements of society to ensure that the marriage can take place. For prospective couples intending to marry at a young age due to religious reasons, it is crucial that they possess the necessary physical and psychological maturity to realize the true goals of marriage.