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Unlock This CourseArranged marriages have been practised for thousands of years across many cultures and continue to be common in various societies today. In this session, we'll explore what arranged marriages are, how they work and how they're changing in the modern world.
Key Definitions:
In traditional arranged marriages, parents or family elders select potential partners based on factors like family background, social status, education, religion and financial stability. The couple may have limited or no contact before marriage.
Modern arranged marriages often involve more input from the individuals getting married. Parents may introduce potential partners, but the couple usually has the right to accept or reject the match and spend time getting to know each other before deciding.
Arranged marriages exist in many cultures around the world, though practices vary significantly. They remain common in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as parts of the Middle East, Africa and East Asia.
In India, arranged marriages remain the norm across many communities. Families often use networks, matrimonial websites, or matchmakers to find suitable partners. Considerations include caste, religion, education and family background.
In countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, arranged marriages often follow religious and cultural traditions. Family connections and religious compatibility are highly valued, though practices are evolving in more urban areas.
In the UK and other Western countries, some immigrant communities continue arranged marriage practices, though they're often adapted to fit with the surrounding culture and legal frameworks.
It's crucial to understand the difference between arranged and forced marriages. While both involve family participation in marriage decisions, they differ significantly in terms of consent and choice.
In the UK, forced marriage is a criminal offence under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provides support to victims and potential victims. In 2020, the FMU gave advice or support in 1,355 cases related to a possible forced marriage.
Arranged marriages have evolved significantly over time, particularly in response to globalisation, education, migration and changing gender roles.
The internet has transformed arranged marriages. Matrimonial websites like Shaadi.com and BharatMatrimony allow families and individuals to browse potential matches based on specific criteria. Video calls enable people to meet and get to know potential partners who may live far away or even in different countries.
Migration and global media have influenced arranged marriage practices. Diaspora communities often adapt traditional practices to fit their new environments. Western ideas about romance and individual choice have influenced arranged marriage practices in many societies.
Sociologists analyse arranged marriages through different theoretical lenses to understand their function and meaning in society.
Functionalists might argue that arranged marriages serve important social functions by strengthening family ties, maintaining cultural traditions and ensuring social stability. They can reinforce social norms and help maintain the structure of society.
Marxists might see arranged marriages as economic arrangements that help maintain class structures and family wealth. They might critique how marriage is used to preserve economic advantages and social status across generations.
Feminists might critique traditional arranged marriages for reinforcing patriarchal structures and limiting women's autonomy. However, they might also recognise that modern arranged marriages can offer women protection and security in certain contexts.
Research by Dr. Raksha Pande at Newcastle University found that young British Asians are increasingly adopting a "collaborative" model of arranged marriage. Parents and family networks help identify potential partners, but young people have significant input and the final say. Many young British Asians value both their parents' wisdom and their own personal choice, creating a hybrid approach that respects tradition while embracing modern values of individual autonomy.
Like any social institution, arranged marriages have both potential benefits and drawbacks that sociologists study.
Arranged marriages continue to evolve in response to social change. Rather than disappearing, they are adapting to incorporate greater individual choice while maintaining family involvement. The boundary between "arranged" and "love" marriages is becoming increasingly blurred in many contexts, with hybrid forms emerging that combine elements of both approaches.
As societies become more interconnected and multicultural, understanding different marriage practices becomes increasingly important. Sociologists continue to study how arranged marriages adapt to changing social conditions while maintaining cultural significance for many communities around the world.