Arranged marriage

Definition

An arranged marriage is a marital union where the spouses are selected by individuals other than the couple themselves, often by family members or matchmakers. This practice can reflect cultural traditions and familial values, where social status, economic considerations, and familial alliances play significant roles in the matchmaking process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages are often seen as a means to strengthen family ties and maintain cultural traditions within South Asian communities.
2. In many cultures that practice arranged marriages, families consider compatibility factors such as education, religion, and social status when selecting partners.
3. The perception of arranged marriages has evolved over time, with many modern arranged marriages allowing for more input from the individuals involved compared to traditional practices.
4. Arranged marriages can be contrasted with love marriages, where individuals seek personal choice and emotional connection in selecting their partners.
5. Despite the challenges and stereotypes associated with arranged marriages, studies have shown that many couples in arranged unions report satisfaction and strong marital bonds over time.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of arranged marriage reflect cultural values within South Asian communities?
  • Arranged marriage is deeply rooted in South Asian cultural values that emphasize family involvement and collective decision-making in personal matters. Families often see this practice as a way to ensure compatibility, economic stability, and the continuation of cultural traditions. By prioritizing family honor and societal norms over individual romantic preferences, arranged marriages can help reinforce social structures and familial relationships within these communities.
• Discuss the evolving perceptions of arranged marriages in contemporary society and how they differ from traditional practices.
  • In contemporary society, perceptions of arranged marriages are changing as individuals increasingly value personal choice and autonomy. Many modern arrangements incorporate a more balanced approach where both families consider the preferences of the couple involved. This shift reflects broader social changes regarding gender roles and individual rights, making arranged marriages more adaptable to personal desires while still honoring cultural traditions.
• Evaluate the implications of arranged marriages on post-colonial identity among South Asian Americans and how they navigate cultural expectations.
  • Arranged marriages play a significant role in shaping post-colonial identity among South Asian Americans, as they navigate between traditional practices and modern American values. Many individuals may experience tension between familial expectations for arranged unions and their desire for love-based partnerships. This dynamic illustrates the complexities of cultural identity in a multicultural context, where individuals often seek to blend their heritage with contemporary ideals of romance and partnership, leading to diverse interpretations of marriage within the diaspora.

Related terms

Dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or gifts given to the groom or his family as part of the marriage arrangement.

Caste System: A hierarchical structure in society that influences marriage choices, often dictating acceptable partners based on social class or caste.

Love Marriage: A type of marriage where the couple chooses each other based on romantic love, contrasting with the traditional concept of arranged marriages.