How Many Cultures Still Use Pre-arranged Marriages in the Modern World?

Although the world has seen a general shift towards love marriages, many cultures still adhere to the tradition of pre-arranged marriage. These practices have been a significant part of certain societies for centuries, with notable examples in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Love Marriages vs. Arranged Marriages

On a global scale, love marriages are much preferred over arranged marriages. However, numerous cultures still impose restrictions on free interaction, making such marriages less common. In regions like India and the Middle East, these restrictions were traditionally strict. For instance, in India, arranged marriages were often a last resort. Parents would begin the search for a suitable partner for their daughter after she finished college. Similarly, in the Middle East, girls were expected to marry within their own cultural and social circles, facilitated by their mothers or fathers.

Practices in Modern India and the Middle East

Despite the general preference for love marriages, India and the Middle East still retain practices that promote arranged marriages. Typically, when someone is ready to get married, their mother would start introducing them to appropriate girls. This process often involved considerable parental involvement, with mothers playing a more prominent role. Fathers would often rubberstamp the choices made by their wives. Exceptions to this rule include rural areas or certain regions in the Gulf that may have more stringent traditional practices, where a woman's consent for a marriage might not be considered.

Marriage Consent and Minor Marriages

While it is rare for marriages to occur without the consent of one's parents, there are still instances where marriages of minors are arranged, particularly in rural areas or regions considered more traditional. In some parts of the Gulf, while a woman's consent is legally required by Sharia law, it may not always be respected in practice.

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