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Arranged Marriages An arranged marriage is when family members choose marriage partners for the members. In some cases the one get married has no say. Sometimes the agreements can be made prior to ones marriageable age. Arranged marriages are nothing new and have been going on in different cultures since biblical times. Although rare for Americans, the arranged marriage is common in non-industrialized countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and parts of South America (Annin, P. ; Hamilton, K. 78) The two most prominent countries of Asia that still engage in arranged marriages are Japan and India. Predominantly in Japan most marriages are now love marriages, but estimates vary that 25 to 50 percent of marriages are still arranged (Filabi 194).
For arranged marriages in Japan, brides work with their parents to put together a resume, so to speak of their daughter. When the bride-to-be reaches the marriageable age around 25, she works closely with her parents to compile information and pictures of herself in the traditional kimono dress that is worn during marriage. After the compilation of their daughter is completed, the parents converse amongst family and friends that may have an idea of an acceptable mate for the daughter. If a person is chosen worthy of choosing a mate for the bride to be, they become the go-between person. Soon arrangements are made so that the go-between and the parents of the bride can meet the candidate for marriage. Eventually the woman and man will meet and begin to marry.
Marriage is not always an outcome from dating, they in a since have the final word of marriage, but at any time third parties can speak of their feelings. By marriage a common woman has had 10 such introduction s (Filabi 197). So by the time of marriage the ones faced with marriage make the ultimate decision, they often seek advice from parents. For Indian cultures, many families that have settled outside of India still practice the arranged marriage. As for the Indian culture the most important aspect is the bond between the two families, rather than the relationship between the couple being married (Filabi 198).
In India a mans family will investigate a womans family before initiating any contacts. These background checks make certain that the girls is of worthiness, class, comparable financial situation, free of hereditary diseases and has a good reputation. People of India feel that arranged marriages are much more successful than those of Western culture where an estimated 50 percent end in divorce. (Annin, P. ; Hamilton, K. 78) For people of the Middle East, arranged marriages are also common. For the arranged marriages in Iraq the process is somewhat similar to those of India and Japan. Often a groom or family will search for an acceptable mate, and when found the man asks for the daughters hand in marriage. When this time comes the brides family will discuss the proposal and ask others of the community of the character, financial status and ability of support for a bride.
After all this is done the brides family ask of their daughter if she will accept the prospect. If she answers no, the answer is usually respected, but can also be pressured for her to change her mind. If she answers yes the marriage will take place. (Filabi 201) Although arranged marriages are not common in America, many different cultures still engage in arranged marriages on American soil. For girls in Sudan, their marriages may consist of a man paying 25 cows and 5 bulls to a teenage girls parents to arrange a marriage. But the problem arises when Sudan refugees in America are arranging marriages of girls under the age of 15 with the marriage arrangements paid in cash (Filabi 202). The arranged marriages occurring amongst the Sudan refugees are a concern because of the cultural differences conflicting with state laws.
Bibliography: Annin, P. ; Hamilton, K. (1996, December 16). Marriage or Rape? Newsweek, Vol. 128 Issue 25, (p 78). Filabi, A. (2000, December). Holding Hands in Public. World & I.
Vol. 15 Issue 12, (p 192 - 203).
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Research essay sample on Arranged Marriages Middle East
