Arranged marriage

Definition

An arranged marriage is a type of marital union where the families of the bride and groom take an active role in selecting the partners, often based on social, economic, and cultural considerations. This practice reflects societal norms about family life and gender roles, emphasizing the importance of familial alliances and social status in shaping personal relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages have been a common practice in many cultures around the world, including South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
2. In many societies that practice arranged marriage, families prioritize compatibility, social status, and economic stability over personal preferences of the individuals involved.
3. Although traditionally seen as a way to strengthen family ties and maintain social order, arranged marriages can sometimes lead to conflicts if either partner feels coerced or unhappy.
4. Modern arranged marriages may allow for greater input from the individuals involved, with couples often meeting before the marriage to build rapport.
5. The success rate of arranged marriages can vary, but studies have shown that they can be just as successful as love marriages when based on mutual respect and understanding.

Review Questions

• How does the practice of arranged marriage reflect the values and priorities of family life in certain cultures?
  • Arranged marriage showcases the importance placed on family alliances, social status, and economic stability in many cultures. Families play a significant role in selecting partners to ensure compatibility and secure advantageous unions. This prioritization highlights how individual choices are often secondary to collective family interests, reinforcing traditional views about family structure and relationships.
• Discuss the implications of arranged marriages on gender roles within societies that practice them.
  • Arranged marriages often reinforce traditional gender roles, where women may have limited agency in choosing their partners compared to men. In many cases, these unions are orchestrated by male family members who seek to uphold family honor or enhance social standing. This dynamic can perpetuate patriarchal structures and limit women's independence while emphasizing their roles as caregivers within the family framework.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of arranged marriages compared to love marriages in contemporary society.
  • Arranged marriages can provide stability through established family support networks and shared values between families, which may lead to successful partnerships based on mutual respect. However, they can also lead to dissatisfaction if individuals feel pressured or lack emotional connection with their partners. In contrast, love marriages prioritize personal choice and emotional bonds but may face challenges from family disapproval or differing social expectations. The effectiveness of either arrangement often depends on cultural context and individual circumstances.

Related terms

dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or goods that takes place at the marriage of a daughter, often seen as a crucial aspect of arranged marriages in certain cultures.

patriarchy: A social system where men hold primary power, influencing family structures and gender roles, often dictating the dynamics of arranged marriages.

love marriage: A marital union based on mutual love and affection between partners, contrasting with arranged marriages where familial approval and arrangement are prioritized.