Arranged marriage

Definition

An arranged marriage is a marital union where the partners are selected by individuals other than the couple themselves, typically family members or matchmakers. This practice is often rooted in cultural traditions and social norms, emphasizing familial approval and community ties over individual choice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages can be found in various cultures around the world, including South Asian, Middle Eastern, and some African societies.
2. The families involved in arranged marriages often consider factors such as social status, financial stability, and religious background when selecting partners.
3. While traditional arranged marriages emphasize family consent and social compatibility, some modern variations allow for more personal choice within the arrangement process.
4. Studies have shown that arranged marriages can have similar levels of satisfaction and stability as love marriages, challenging common assumptions about individual choice.
5. In some cultures, the concept of arranged marriage also includes practices like matchmaking events or matrimonial websites to facilitate connections between families.

Review Questions

• How does an arranged marriage differ from a love marriage in terms of decision-making processes?
  • In an arranged marriage, the decision about whom to marry is primarily made by family members or matchmakers rather than the individuals involved. This contrasts with a love marriage where both partners typically choose each other based on romantic feelings and personal preferences. The emphasis in arranged marriages is often on family approval and social compatibility, while love marriages focus on emotional connection and individual choice.
• Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of arranged marriages in contemporary society.
  • Arranged marriages may offer several advantages, such as strong family support and shared cultural values that can contribute to marital stability. However, they can also present challenges, including lack of personal agency for the individuals involved and potential mismatches in partner compatibility. In contemporary society, where individualism is more emphasized, many people question the relevance and effectiveness of arranged marriages compared to love marriages.
• Evaluate how cultural perceptions of arranged marriage influence personal identities and social structures within communities that practice this tradition.
  • Cultural perceptions of arranged marriage significantly shape personal identities and social structures within practicing communities. Individuals often define themselves in relation to their familial roles and responsibilities, reinforcing collective values over personal desires. This framework can influence social hierarchies, gender roles, and family dynamics, contributing to a community's cohesion while also potentially restricting personal freedom. As globalization influences these cultures, tensions may arise between traditional practices and modern values, leading to evolving perspectives on marriage.

Related terms

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

love marriage: A marriage based on mutual affection and personal choice, contrasting with arranged marriages which prioritize family involvement.

patrilineality: A system in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the male line, often influencing the dynamics of arranged marriages.