> Ignoring beliefs for the moment. Same. > Personally I’m of the opinion that historically marriage is Disease control. While I don't disagree that this is a

> Ignoring beliefs for the moment. Same. > Personally I’m of the opinion that historically marriage is Disease control. While I don't disagree that this is a benefit, marriage isn't necessary for this to occur - only fidelity. Plural marriage would work just fine in this context, as would polygamy/polygyny. Marriage is, at its root, a means of ensuring the generational transfer of wealth: it means that the person who possesses capital in the society (typically the man) can pass their wealth on to their children. It also provides some assurances to the legally subordinate partner that they will not be destitute should the other die or abandon them.