Arranged Marriages

Research papers on arranged marriages study the various aspects of class, economics and caste systems that dictate the world of arranged marriages. Sociology writers from Paper Masters can help you write a paper on arranged marriages.

Looking across the broad scope of cultural traditions, it is clear that Western culture has become somewhat rigid in its beliefs. This is not to say that what all Westerners believe is right; rather it is to say that when it comes to understanding the way that other cultures respond to various aspects of religious and social life, individuals of Western descent can often be rather closed minded. To illustrate this point, one needs to consider prearranged marriages in Indian culture. A custom that dates back almost as far as the culture, prearranged marriages have become the standard of practice many women in Middle Eastern countries. Despite this, however, many Western social scientists view this practice as barbaric and unethical.

Arranged Marriages and Ethics

In an attempt to delineate whether or not the practice of veiling is indeed unethical, or if in fact it is only unethical from the viewpoint of the Western idealist, this investigation considers an overview of the practice from an Indian perspective. Additionally, this investigation places the practice of arranged marriages into the framework of a number of philosophical arguments to determine if indeed the practice can be justified utilizing a broader frame of reference other than the Western perspective. By looking at the issue of arranged marriages in India through these lenses, it is hoped that some insight into the ethical nature of the practice will be gleaned.

History of Arranged Marriages

Considering first the history of arranged marriages in India, and Middle Eastern culture overall, many who live in the Middle East consider the practice of arrange marriage to be an integral part of routine custom. Children, often shortly after their births, are promised in marriage as a method of securing the family lineage. Because dating is seen as taboo in India, and family relationships are paramount, the practice of arranged marriage is a matter of form following function. Parents have a duty to take care of their children and part of this duty is to find a suitable mate that keeps them in their same of the following life aspects:

• Same religious ideology
• Same caste system
• Same social class
• Same economic class

Marriages that take place outside of these restrictions are often fraught with a number of inherent problems. Thus, as a means to protect their children, parents in Indian culture have an obligation to ensure that their children marry well. "Among Hindus, marriage is meant to bring together like-minded families of similar castes, rather than individuals. (Though the caste system-which divides Hindus into classes-has been abolished, it still plays a key role in arranged marriages)".