The concept of marriage as we know it today did not exist in prehistoric times, so it's essential to understand that the social and cultural dynamics were very different for early humans, often referred to as "cavemen" or prehistoric humans.
During prehistoric times, human societies were primarily hunter-gatherer communities, and their social structures were much simpler than modern societies. The concept of marriage, as a formal institution with rules and ceremonies, developed much later in human history.
In these early societies, mate selection was likely based on more basic instincts, survival needs, and natural inclinations. Factors influencing mate selection could have included:
Reproductive fitness: Selecting a mate who appeared strong, healthy, and capable of bearing and raising children would have been vital for the survival of the tribe.
Group dynamics: Prehistoric humans lived in small groups, and relationships might have been formed within these close-knit communities.
Sharing resources: Cooperation and sharing were essential for survival. Mates might have been chosen based on their ability to contribute to the community's well-being.
Social norms: Unwritten rules and norms within the group might have influenced mate selection, though these norms were likely less formalized than today's cultural practices.
Biological instincts: Human mate selection is influenced by various biological factors, such as attraction to certain physical traits and indicators of health and fertility.
It's important to recognize that these early human societies had no written records, and our understanding of their social dynamics is based on archaeological evidence and studies of modern-day hunter-gatherer societies. As societies evolved and developed more complex structures, marriage and mate selection also evolved, incorporating cultural, religious, and legal aspects that differ greatly from prehistoric times.