Arranged Marriages

[Bubble]

What are the pros and cons?

[Octavius]

I can't for the life of me think of any 'fors'.  Supporters of the custom say that divorce rates are lower than among western society because parents are better able to choose a suitable partner for their children.  Have you seen Date My Daughter??

The counter argument suggests that the pressure of society as a whole and from the two families concerned keep the marriage together whether it is successful or not. Divorce therefore is not an option.

Against: You end up with an unattractive unloving munter who you have nothing in common with.  Often the most important aspect is the bond between the two families, rather than the relationship between the couple being married. Property or land with the aim of securing social status sometimes secures marriage agreements.

Not being of that persuasion or culture I cannot see the benefit.

[libertie]

Worked with a lovely Asian girl who had an arranged marriage, and last I heard from her she was still happily married with 2 children.  She told me that because of her deep respect for her family she had no problem with having an arranged marriage.  She was introduced to several prospective husbands before she met someone she considered to be the right one.  As she says there is a huge difference between an arranged marriage and a forced one! I suppose the real difficulty lies when two very different cultures are thrown together.  Personally speaking I'm glad I was allowed to make my own choice even though it ended in divorce........

[Dom Tuk]

I share Octavius' sentiments and find the concept bizarre more because it works more often than not. Libertie is absolutely right...there is a big difference between forced and arranged. The person who arranges it, usually and aunt, uncle or respected friend will do the basic groundwork with regards to matching the couple viz: education, wealth, background (read caste/religion), looks. So mismatches will be weeded out at the start. The couple will have the final say. Or else it becomes a forced marriage an dthey are quite rare. Pros....yes the parents will pay for the wedding. Why does it work....well for the same reason as marriages where you met your partner at the local boozer works. Because you want it to work.

[sbullock14]

pro: that u love the person and he/she loves u back
cons u could hate the preson