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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Types of marriage - arranged marriage
Arranged marriages are a type of marriage where families, particularly parents, play a significant role in selecting spouses for their children. Unlike love marriages where individuals choose their own partners based primarily on romantic attraction, arranged marriages involve family members identifying suitable matches based on various social, economic, religious and cultural factors.
Key Definitions:
Traditional Arranged Marriages: Minimal or no contact between potential spouses before marriage, decisions made primarily by parents or elders, often based on family reputation, caste, religion and economic status.
Modern Arranged Marriages: Potential spouses have the right to accept or reject matches, may meet and get to know each other before deciding and families act more as matchmakers than decision-makers.
Arranged marriages typically involve:
Arranged marriages exist on a spectrum and can take different forms depending on the level of choice given to the individuals involved:
Parents or family elders make all decisions. The couple may not meet before the wedding day or may have limited supervised meetings. Common in more conservative societies and historical contexts.
Parents identify potential matches, but the couple has the right to accept or reject. They may be allowed to meet and interact before making a decision. This is increasingly common in many societies.
Also called "assisted marriages" where families introduce potential matches but the couple makes the final decision after dating and getting to know each other. Popular among diaspora communities.
Arranged marriages are practised in various cultures around the world, though the specific customs and expectations vary significantly:
While arranged marriages exist globally, they are particularly common in certain regions:
In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, arranged marriages remain common across various religious groups. Considerations often include caste, religion, education level, profession and family background. Modern arranged marriages in these contexts increasingly involve the consent of both parties.
Middle East: Family-arranged marriages are common in many Arab countries, often within extended family networks.
East Asia: Countries like Japan have "omiai" (formal matchmaking), while China has traditional matchmakers.
Jewish communities: Some Orthodox Jewish communities practice "shidduch" (matchmaking).
In the UK, arranged marriages are most common among British Asian communities. Research shows a generational shift in how these marriages are approached:
This demonstrates how cultural practices adapt to new social contexts while maintaining certain traditional elements.
Different sociological perspectives offer varying interpretations of arranged marriages:
Functionalists might argue that arranged marriages:
Feminist sociologists might critique arranged marriages for:
It's crucial to distinguish between arranged marriages and forced marriages:
Key features:
Key features:
In the UK, forced marriage is a criminal offence:
This demonstrates how the UK distinguishes between acceptable arranged marriages (based on consent) and unacceptable forced marriages (lacking consent).
Arranged marriages are evolving in response to changing social attitudes and technologies:
Today's arranged marriages often blend traditional and modern approaches:
These changes reflect broader social shifts including increased education, urbanisation and changing gender roles, while still maintaining the core value of family involvement in marriage decisions.
When studying arranged marriages sociologically, it's important to consider both potential advantages and criticisms:
Arranged marriages represent a diverse set of practices that vary significantly across cultures and have evolved over time. While traditional arranged marriages gave families almost complete control over spouse selection, modern arranged marriages typically balance family involvement with individual choice. The key distinction between arranged and forced marriages is consent - arranged marriages involve the willing participation of both parties, while forced marriages do not.
From a sociological perspective, arranged marriages can be analysed through various theoretical lenses, including functionalism, feminism and cultural relativism. As societies change, arranged marriage practices continue to adapt, often incorporating modern technologies and values while maintaining the core principle of family involvement in one of life's most important decisions.
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