Arranged marriage

Definition

Arranged marriage is a marital union where the families or guardians of the bride and groom play a significant role in selecting partners, often with little input from the individuals involved. This practice can vary widely across cultures, reflecting historical traditions and social norms that prioritize family ties and community involvement in marital decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages are prevalent in various cultures around the world, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
2. The success rates of arranged marriages are often reported to be higher than those of love marriages, with lower divorce rates attributed to strong family support and shared values.
3. Modern arranged marriages may include elements of choice, where individuals are introduced to potential partners but have the final say in accepting or rejecting the match.
4. In some cultures, arranged marriages serve as a means to strengthen family alliances and consolidate wealth or power between families.
5. The concept of love is increasingly integrated into arranged marriages, with many families now encouraging couples to develop affection and understanding before marriage.

Review Questions

• How does arranged marriage reflect historical and cultural patterns of courtship across different societies?
  • Arranged marriage illustrates how historical practices prioritize family and community over individual romantic choice. In many societies, these unions were formed to strengthen familial ties and ensure economic stability. This approach contrasts with more modern concepts of courtship that focus on individual preferences and emotional connections. Understanding these cultural patterns helps illustrate how marriage practices evolve while still retaining traditional values.
• What role do cultural variations play in the practice of arranged marriage and its acceptance within different communities?
  • Cultural variations significantly influence how arranged marriages are perceived and practiced. In some cultures, arranged marriages are seen as a norm that upholds family values and traditions, while in others, they may face criticism for limiting individual freedoms. The acceptance of arranged marriage can also be affected by socioeconomic factors, religious beliefs, and globalization, which introduce new ideas about love and partnership. This diversity highlights the importance of cultural context in understanding marriage practices.
• Evaluate the implications of modern changes to arranged marriages on societal perceptions of love and partnership.
  • Modern changes to arranged marriages have led to a reevaluation of traditional notions of love and partnership within many cultures. As families begin to incorporate individual choice into the process, there's a growing recognition that emotional compatibility is essential for marital success. This shift not only challenges historical perspectives on arranged unions but also encourages younger generations to view marriage as a partnership based on mutual respect and affection. Analyzing these evolving perceptions reveals the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in shaping contemporary relationships.

Related terms

Companionate Marriage: A marriage model where individuals prioritize emotional connection and companionship over economic or familial considerations, often characterized by personal choice.

Dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth at the marriage of a daughter, often seen in cultures practicing arranged marriages, which can impact family alliances.

Endogamy:

The practice of marrying within a specific social group, class, or ethnicity, which can often be found in arranged marriages to maintain cultural or religious homogeneity.