Arranged marriage

Definition

Arranged marriage is a marital practice in which the families or guardians of the couple take the lead in selecting their spouses, often based on cultural, economic, and social considerations. This practice plays a significant role in shaping gender roles and family structures, as it emphasizes familial obligation and social status over individual choice in a relationship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages were common among various cultures and social classes, often used as a strategy to strengthen family alliances and improve socio-economic status.
2. In many cases, arranged marriages were characterized by strict gender roles, where women had limited say in their choice of partner and were expected to fulfill domestic duties.
3. Parents or guardians typically took into consideration factors such as financial stability, family background, and social reputation when arranging marriages.
4. While arranged marriages often emphasize family involvement, they can also incorporate elements of consent where individuals may have some degree of choice or input in the selection process.
5. The prevalence of arranged marriages has declined over time in some regions, as individualism and personal choice have become more valued in romantic relationships.

Review Questions

• How do arranged marriages impact gender roles within families in societies where this practice is prevalent?
  • Arranged marriages significantly reinforce traditional gender roles within families, particularly by limiting women's autonomy in choosing their partners. In many societies that practice arranged marriage, women are often seen as subordinate to men, fulfilling domestic duties while men make major family decisions. This dynamic perpetuates a cycle where women are expected to prioritize family honor and obedience over personal desires, leading to a lack of agency in both marital choices and broader societal participation.
• Evaluate the social and economic factors that influence the practice of arranged marriages in different cultures.
  • Social and economic factors play a crucial role in the prevalence of arranged marriages across different cultures. In many cases, families prioritize financial stability, lineage, and social status when arranging marriages. This practice can serve to strengthen family alliances and enhance socio-economic standing within communities. Additionally, cultural norms often dictate that marriages are not solely personal unions but strategic partnerships that benefit the family's social capital, thus intertwining economic considerations with marital arrangements.
• Analyze the potential advantages and disadvantages of arranged marriages compared to love marriages in contemporary society.
  • Arranged marriages can offer several advantages such as stronger family support and a lower likelihood of divorce due to familial commitment. They often emphasize compatibility based on social and economic status rather than romantic love. However, disadvantages include potential emotional distress for individuals who may feel trapped in unions without personal choice. In contrast, love marriages prioritize individual preferences but may lack familial backing if families disapprove. This creates a complex interplay between personal happiness and social acceptance that varies greatly among different cultures today.

Related terms

Dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or goods that is traditionally given to the groom's family or the groom at the time of marriage.

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

Social Stratification:

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society, often determined by factors such as wealth, education, and social status.