Arranged marriage

Definition

An arranged marriage is a marital union where the partners are selected by individuals other than the couple themselves, often by family members or matchmakers. This practice reflects social, economic, and cultural traditions, influencing gender roles and family life in various societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages have been common in many cultures for centuries and continue to be practiced in various forms today.
2. In many societies with arranged marriages, families believe they can better choose suitable partners based on social status, economic stability, and family compatibility.
3. Gender roles significantly impact arranged marriages, as traditionally, women have less agency in choosing their partners compared to men.
4. While arranged marriages may seem outdated, many couples in these unions report high levels of satisfaction and successful partnerships.
5. Cultural expectations and community values often play a crucial role in maintaining the practice of arranged marriage, sometimes even influencing how love and affection develop over time.

Review Questions

• How do gender roles influence the dynamics of arranged marriages?
  • Gender roles heavily influence arranged marriages as traditionally, men have greater agency in selecting their partners while women often face pressure to conform to family expectations. This can lead to situations where women's preferences are overlooked, reinforcing patriarchal structures within families. As a result, the balance of power in these unions tends to favor men, impacting not only individual choices but also broader societal norms surrounding marriage.
• Discuss the cultural significance of dowry and bride price in the context of arranged marriages.
  • Dowry and bride price are significant elements within arranged marriages that reflect cultural practices and familial expectations. The dowry, often provided by the bride's family to the groom's family, is seen as a way to secure the union and can affect the perceived value of the bride. Conversely, bride price involves a payment from the groom's family to the bride's family, which symbolizes respect and commitment. Both practices can influence negotiations between families and highlight economic considerations inherent in many arranged marriages.
• Evaluate how the practice of arranged marriage interacts with modern views on love and partnership.
  • The practice of arranged marriage presents a complex interaction with contemporary views on love and partnership, which often prioritize individual choice and romantic love. While some may perceive arranged marriages as outdated, many individuals involved report strong emotional connections developing over time. This suggests that love can emerge from partnerships formed through social structures rather than solely through personal choice. The increasing acceptance of arranged marriages alongside evolving definitions of love demonstrates a blending of traditional values with modern relationship dynamics.

Related terms

Dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth given to the groom's family as part of the marriage arrangement, often affecting the dynamics of arranged marriages.

Patriarchy: A social system in which males hold primary power, influencing arranged marriages by often privileging male choice in partner selection.

Bride Price: A payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family, which can play a role in the negotiation and formation of arranged marriages.