Arranged marriages are an integral part of Indian society. It is reported that approximately 90% of marriages in India are arranged. A marriage is considered "arranged" when it is proposed by individuals other than the prospective spouses. Those responsible for arranging the marriage can be parents, marriage brokers, matchmaking websites, or trusted intermediaries. It is also a fact that India has a very low divorce rate of only 1.1% compared to other countries in the world (YourDOST, 2016).
Arranged Marriage vs. Love Marriage
In the context of arranged marriages, individuals who share a similar upbringing and belief system are brought together, laying a crucial foundation for their relationship. This unique aspect minimizes the likelihood of cultural disparities, which often pose challenges in love marriages. Unlike love marriages that can transcend religious, cultural, and caste boundaries, arranged marriages require individuals to navigate through diverse beliefs and backgrounds, demanding additional efforts to reach a harmonious consensus.
In love marriages, individuals tend to prioritize superficial criteria like physical appearance and material possessions during the selection process. However, such short-term-oriented criteria may not contribute significantly to the long-term success of a marriage. Studies in social psychology have revealed the concept of "attractiveness matching," where individuals heavily weigh the physical attractiveness of potential partners and exhibit a preference for those who are comparable in attractiveness to themselves.
In the case of arranged marriages, a sense of equality is maintained as individuals are introduced to one another. Factors such as education, financial status, and worldview tend to align since families typically favor matches with similar backgrounds and social standing. Consequently, this particular challenge is effectively addressed through a thorough vetting process conducted by families.
Additionally, the expectations within arranged marriages are relatively modest compared to love marriages. Couples entering into arranged marriages are not as acquainted with each other as those in love marriages. This limited familiarity leads to more realistic expectations. Building a comprehensive understanding of one another is crucial for forming accurate expectations, as greater knowledge naturally leads to higher expectations (YourDost, 2016).
What we can learn from the Behavior of People in Arranged Marriages
One of the key factors contributing to the success of arranged marriages is the unwavering dedication of each partner to the institution of marriage and the relationship itself. In these unions, the commitment to finding solutions and addressing challenges often surpasses personal desires and emotions. The pivotal element that sets arranged marriages apart is the prioritization of a harmonious and functional partnership, which ultimately leads to their triumph. Success is not solely measured by the duration of the marriage or the absence of divorce but also by the profound sense of fulfillment and contentment experienced by both individuals (Page, 2017).
