Which marital structure is recognized across all cultures but is strictly followed by only 20% of societies?

Monogamy is the marital structure that is widely recognized across various cultures around the world, serving as a common normative framework for relationships. This means that while many societies have specific practices or variations, the concept of one person being married to one spouse is present in some form in nearly every culture.

The statistic regarding its strict adherence—being followed by only 20% of societies—highlights that while monogamy is recognized, many cultures practice other marital structures, particularly polygamy, which can include polygyny (one man with multiple wives) and polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands).

Monogamy's prevalence as a recognized norm can also be seen in various cultural, religious, and legal contexts, where it is often viewed as an ideal, even in societies where polygamous practices may exist. This duality reflects the complexity of human social relationships and the diversity of cultural norms surrounding marriage.