Arranged marriage

From ArticleWorld

An arranged marriage occurs when the marital couple is chosen or matched by others. The others decide on the couple’s suitability based on considerations that do not involve their attraction.

Social background

Royal and noble families, particularly those currently reigning, typically have used arranged marriage to better consolidate their strengths and join kingdoms. In some countries, the man chooses the wife, and pays the family for the honor of marrying her. Although popular in many countries until the 19th century, arranged marriage is today refused by many young people who crave independence.

Cross-cultural perspectives

Arranged marriage is still the predominant form of marriage in South Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal, as well as in some rural areas in the Middle East. In these countries it is practiced regardless of religion, caste or culture. Although once common in China, South Korea and Japan it is now rapidly diminishing (and nearly non-existent in Japan).

A modern variation on traditional arranged marriage that is gaining considerable acceptance is when the parents introduce their adult child to several approved potential mates and allow the future bride or groom to make a final decision. There are reported cases of Indians living in the United States who take time from work to travel to their home country for an arranged marriage. This is typically called a wedding trip.

Pros and cons

Arranged marriage can be considered an easy way for a couple to marry in a short time. Some say that arranged marriages are more successful than other types of marriage in that they begin with little or no expectations and are usually between two people who come from similar socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Normally, however, courtship is intended as a time for a couple to determine if they are compatible and attracted to each other. For this reason, arranged marriages could create complications.