Arranged marriages are a cultural tradition which many western people get confused with forced marriages. But whereas forcing someone into marriage is wrong, arranged marriages have a lower divorce rate than western marriages because of some simple reasons.

FAMILY

An arranged marriage isn't just about a new bond between two individuals, but about the coming together of two families. Sometimes, the couple are cousins or family friends, but the initial agreement is often between the parents who will introduce the couple.

This makes family ties much stronger and although divorce is ultimately more difficult, it's the unifying factor of agreement which helps bond the couple together and it's always nice to have the neutral view of someone else when going into marriage.

LOVE

With an arranged marriage, it's often believed that the relationship is based on mutual friendship and respect and that love will follow when the couple get to know each other.

This is seen as beneficial because then a couple aren't seduced by love and passion in the early stages of a relationship, which then risk a break-up if these feelings begin to die. A much stronger foundation will result in a much stronger relationship.

EQUAL MATCH

The parents try to find a marriage partner who is a good match for their child. This is in terms of social class, education, personality and understanding. A couple who are well-matched are probably more, although not always, like to stay together. Someone lust blinds a couple into a quick decision which doesn't always turn out to be the best.

So a culture will promote an arranged marriage in an attempt to provide stronger relationships based on equality in all respects.

HELP AND ADVICE

If a couple are in trouble, it's sometimes difficult to know who to turn to for marriage guidance and support. But with an arranged marriage, the couple have their parents, relatives and other elders around them, those who helped to introduce them, as the supportive network. In this way, there is a fully involved process of an extended family who are always available to listen and offer marriage counselling.

Not all arranged marriages are happy, but within a culture which expects a couple to work hard at their relationship, they are often longer lasting and more accepted than in the Western world. If nothing else, that's a good reason to promote them.

Learn more about this author, Ben Hughes.
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