To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
Marriage, a sacred institution that brings two individuals together, has been practiced in various forms across the world. Arranged marriages, wherein the union is orchestrated by parents or family members rather than the couple themselves, have been prevalent in numerous countries, including Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Canada, and India. This essay delves into the complex realm of arranged marriages, examining both their positive and negative aspects while exploring their cultural, legal, and societal implications.
In a significant portion of Asia, arranged marriages remain a deeply ingrained tradition, with parents and family members taking the lead in matchmaking.
These arrangements are often made based on practical considerations, such as compatibility in social, economic, and cultural aspects. In countries as diverse as Jordan and Cambodia, daughters are frequently wedded to distant relatives to strengthen family bonds and preserve cultural heritage.
The practice of arranged marriages is highly controversial, with arguments both in favor of and against it.
Verified writer
Proficient in: Arranged Marriage
4.7 (346)
“ This writer never make an mistake for me always deliver long before due date. Am telling you man this writer is absolutely the best. ”
Advocates of individual autonomy contend that the right to choose one's life partner is a fundamental human right, while proponents of arranged marriages argue that parents often have their children's best interests at heart. From a legal perspective, arranged marriages are generally recognized and practiced in various cultures.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, for instance, guarantees fundamental freedoms to all its citizens, encompassing freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, and expression. This includes the freedom to choose one's life partner, although arranged marriages are culturally accepted and legally permissible in Canada.
Arranged marriages are fundamentally rooted in culture, making legal intervention rare.
In many cases today, children have the option to consent to or decline arranged marriages, granting them agency in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the final choice often rests with the individuals involved.
The concept of arranged marriages can be challenging for Western societies to comprehend. In the West, the idea of marrying a stranger seems unconventional and unfamiliar. Westerners often struggle to grasp the notion of uniting with someone they have not chosen themselves. Conversely, in Indian and Muslim countries, arranged marriages are the norm, and the Western perspective on this practice may continue to appear unusual.
Western cultures often prioritize material aspects such as physical attraction, love, and external beauty in relationships. Marriages often stem from these factors, leading to a higher likelihood of boredom and dissatisfaction over time. In contrast, Eastern cultures place greater emphasis on practical qualities in their life partners, including integrity, diligence, ambition, humility, and generosity.
Arranged marriages have the potential for success, but they are not without their challenges. It is possible for both partners to be content with their chosen spouse, but conflicts may also arise due to differences in values, personalities, and expectations.
In any type of marriage, certain qualities are crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. These qualities include patience, love, understanding, trust, and kindness. Regardless of the reasons for entering into a marriage, cultivating these attributes can contribute to a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
In some cases, arranged marriages can elevate a family's social standing or provide women with opportunities for employment. However, it is common for women in arranged marriages to assume the role of stay-at-home mothers, depending on the cultural and societal norms of their respective regions.
Arranged marriages come with specific cultural rules and boundaries. In many cases, individuals are expected to marry within their nationality or ethnic group, reinforcing cultural ties. For instance, in Sikh culture and religion, marrying within the same caste is often a requirement, leading to unions between individuals of similar social status.
Conversely, attempting to obtain a divorce from an arranged marriage in India may result in familial disownment. The prevalence of arranged marriages varies from one country to another, with Pakistan having a high rate of arranged marriages (90 percent), in contrast to Japan, where only 25-30 percent of all marriages are arranged. Some Indian women, feeling trapped in unwanted arranged marriages, have resorted to extreme measures such as drug overdose to escape their dire circumstances.
Statistics indicate that arranged marriages can be just as happy and, in some cases, more stable than so-called love marriages. Throughout history, mothers have reassured their daughters about the prospect of finding love after marriage. While some couples in arranged marriages have grown to love each other deeply, others have not been as fortunate.
Marriage is a significant life decision, whether arranged or based on love. The factors shaping a marriage often include cultural, economic, and social considerations. In love marriages, the central element is emotional attachment. However, as Mamoon asserts, "Love, marriage, and compatibility are not the same... Two people can be completely compatible yet have no love for each other and vice versa." While love is a beautiful foundation for marriage, it may not necessarily guarantee long-term compatibility or fulfillment.
In my personal opinion, the choice between arranged and love marriages is subjective. If an individual feels confident in their ability to select a suitable life partner, they should have the freedom to do so. However, if one believes that their parents can make a better choice, there is no inherent wrongdoing in pursuing an arranged marriage.
Ultimately, the key to a successful marriage is happiness. Regardless of the path taken to find a life partner, what matters most is the destination: a fulfilling and harmonious union. If an individual finds their ideal mate, the manner in which they arrived at that destination becomes inconsequential.
In conclusion, arranged marriages are a global phenomenon with diverse cultural, legal, and societal implications. While they may seem unconventional to Western societies, they play a crucial role in maintaining cultural traditions and family ties in many other parts of the world. The controversy surrounding arranged marriages stems from differing perspectives on individual autonomy and cultural values.
It is essential to recognize that arranged marriages can be successful, although challenges may arise. The key to a flourishing marriage, whether arranged or based on love, lies in cultivating essential qualities such as patience, love, understanding, trust, and kindness. Ultimately, the choice between arranged and love marriages is a deeply personal one, with happiness being the ultimate goal, regardless of the path taken.
Arranged Marriages: Tradition, Controversy, and Cultural Perspectives. (2016, Jul 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/a-report-on-arranged-marriages-essay
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
