The function of ‘Marriage’ fall under 2 categories
Need Gratification
Biological needs: Biological needs for food, clothing and shelter one possible only through personal relationships of family life. Sexual gratification of partners is also one of the distinctive functions of marriage. Perpetuating the race is one of the biological needs.
Psychological needs: Are also will be satisfied through personal relations. Need of belongingness, companionship, recreation security as a member of the family, there by getting economic support are some of the psychological needs to be satisfied through marriage.
Social control: Because marriage satisfies both biological and psychological needs, the morality and ethics of the society is safeguarded. The culture of the society is safeguarded through maintenance system, the family safeguards the religious sanctities. It provides education to the children and makes them useful members of the society.