An Arranged Marriage In Indian Culture

Marriage is a controversial decision various people get caught up on. There are two different concepts of marriage in the modern world, one being very traditional. The first is having a wedding based on love and emotion. The more traditional one is a marriage arranged by a third party, most commonly the parents. Although an arranged marriage diverges from a marriage based on love, the dominant differences in here in choosing a potential partner and social inferences. 

Background 

For Indian American Kavita Das, however, arranged marriage in India is not how one perceives it to be. She was matchmade by a friend in Oregon and not by her family. There are various possible advantages and disadvantages when it comes to arranged marriages. It is believed that parents are more experienced and unprejudiced than their children when it comes to making the favorable choice for an acceptable mate. The idea of parents finding a compatible mate is not always true, however, according to Pallavi Reddy. 

Parents often arrange marriages because doing so will fortify that their child stays attentive in their religious beliefs. Although some parents sometimes understand if their children do not favor their paired mate, they still might feel pressured to get married. Children entangled in the web of arranged marriages can lead to fear and resentment. Other parents may exile or disown their children if they refuse. 

The arranged marriage is a contract between families which leaves the individuals that will potentially get married without any choice.

Arranged marriages are a complicated subject, and the idea of it is usually perceived as an issue for human rights where one loses the right to freedom of choice. Parents who favor arranged marriages believe that they are more adept and impartial than their children when it comes to finding a potential husband or wife. They believe they can make better, less impetuous choices regarding a reconcilable, and often financially stable mate than their child will. Parents believe that arranged marriages can be more thriving, flourishing and long lasting compared to love marriages. 

The idea of parents being able to find more compatible mates for their children is not always true, however. For CNN writer, Pallavi Reddy, shared her experience with arranged marriage and was not the most pleasant story. Her parents wanted to arrange her marriage and although she would avoid the subject, Reddy finally gave in to go on a date with a potential husband to satisfy her parents. She did not feel any connection with Raj and the only thing they shared in common was their heritage. She felt as if she had to put on a facade of somebody completely different. After refusing the marriage, Reddy discussed her decision with her parents which they understood and trusted her discernment. 

It is a hit or miss when it comes to the idea of arranged marriages and despite their experience, parents do not always choose the correct partner for their children.

There are several reasons as to why parents believe arranged marriages benefit the situation of finding a mate. Parents often arrange marriages because doing so will fortify that their child stays attentive in their religious beliefs. 

Indian tradition is crucial to their society and arranged marriage is part of historical Indian culture. People from different cultures often see freedom of religion as a threat and are afraid of the varying views in Western societies. A recent study of Indians from ages 18 to 34 showed almost 60 percent of the married women surveyed didn’t work, and 41 percent of respondents either fully or somewhat agreed with the statement of “It’s not right for women to work after marriage.” 

In the 70 years of India’s independence, the standard culture of marriage has not changed all that much. These women ultimately have a choice over their intended male, they end up feeling under a lot of pressure to get married. Ritu states, “It’s not about what I am for or what is expected out of me. I know I have to do it. I know I have to get married.” Although Pallavi Reddy’s parents understood her choice of not getting married, she still feels the pressure of having to get married after the attempt of arranged marriage.

Conclusion 

Indian tradition is important to many, but arranged marriage might be an exception.

In conclusion, he arranged marriage is a contract between families which leaves the individuals that will potentially get married without any choice. There are various advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the idea of arranged marriages. 

Parents often arrange marriages because doing so will ensure that their child stays vigilant in their religious beliefs. Although some parents sometimes understand if their children do not favor their paired mate, they still might feel pressured to get married. Parents who favor the idea of an arranged marriage surmise that they can find the perfect, prospective mate for their children, but can be mistaken at times.

Whether a person believes in arranged marriages or does not support the concept of them, the decision returns and lies with the individual hoping to choose their own fate for the future years to come.