Arranged marriage

Definition

An arranged marriage is a marital union where the families of the bride and groom play a significant role in selecting their partners, often based on cultural, social, or economic considerations. This practice can foster familial alliances and is rooted in various traditions across the globe, emphasizing communal values over individual choice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages are prevalent in many cultures, including South Asian, Middle Eastern, and some African societies, with varying degrees of family involvement.
2. In an arranged marriage, it’s common for families to consider factors like social status, education, and economic stability when choosing a partner.
3. While traditional arranged marriages often prioritized family approval over individual preferences, modern variations may allow for some input from the couple regarding compatibility.
4. Statistics show that arranged marriages often have lower divorce rates compared to love marriages in certain cultures, attributed to stronger family support systems.
5. The concept of arranged marriage is evolving, with younger generations sometimes seeking a balance between family expectations and personal choice.

Review Questions

• How does an arranged marriage differ from a love marriage in terms of decision-making and family involvement?
  • In an arranged marriage, the families play a crucial role in selecting partners based on cultural and social considerations, often prioritizing familial alliances over individual preferences. In contrast, a love marriage is characterized by the couple's personal choice and mutual affection, with little to no involvement from family in partner selection. This fundamental difference highlights how arranged marriages emphasize communal values while love marriages focus on personal connections.
• Discuss the impact of societal norms on the practice of arranged marriages and how they vary across different cultures.
  • Societal norms heavily influence arranged marriages by shaping perceptions of suitability regarding partners based on factors like caste, economic status, and religion. For example, in Indian culture, adherence to the caste system can dictate acceptable matches and reinforce traditional practices. In contrast, some Western societies may view arranged marriages as outdated or restrictive. These varying cultural attitudes reflect broader beliefs about individualism versus collectivism in marital choices.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of arranged marriages on family dynamics and individual autonomy in contemporary society.
  • The long-term implications of arranged marriages can significantly affect family dynamics by fostering strong inter-family relationships and support networks. However, they may also raise concerns about individual autonomy, especially if personal preferences are consistently sidelined. In contemporary society, many young people seek to merge traditional practices with modern values by negotiating their choices with family involvement. This blend can create a new dynamic that honors both familial expectations and personal desires, ultimately shaping future marriage trends.

Related terms

dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or goods delivered to the groom or his family as part of a marriage arrangement.

love marriage: A type of marriage where the partners choose each other based on romantic love, contrasting with the concept of arranged marriages.

caste system: A social hierarchy in some cultures, particularly in India, which can influence arranged marriages by dictating suitable partners within specific social strata.