By Nikita Gaur

Arranged marriage…what is it?
Over the years the definition of arranged marriage has changed dramatically, however, the stereotype of arranged marriage has pretty much stayed the same. Arranged marriage happens within Asian cultures such as Hindu, Sikh and Muslim religions. The reasons for arranged marriage are so that the men and women of a certain religion stay within that religion and caste, preventing them from marrying outside that religion. It is also so that the parents get to know the other parents and knowing that their children will be in safe hands.

The past
During the past, arranged marriage was slightly different to what it is now. Parents would arrange a meeting with another family in hope their son/daughter would fall for the other parent’s son/daughter. It would be decided by the son and daughter whether they want to get married or not. If yes then the wedding will be arranged, if no then the parent’s would leave and say thank you. This goes against the typical stereotype.

The stereotype
Many people outside the Asian culture see arranged marriage as the total opposite to what it is, this could mainly be due to the impact the media has on our lives’.  The majority of the worlds population who are not Asian see arranged marriage as something to be frowned upon. According to this stereotype the man and woman meet for the first time at their actual wedding, this would never happen within Asian traditions as it is seen as unfair and is frowned upon. This stereotype may have come from a popular film called ‘East is East’; during this film one of the characters is forced into marriage to a woman who he has never met before. Arranged marriage is also stereotyped within a book called ‘The belonging’. This is a true story of a woman who was brought up in a disgusting family of which beat her till she begged them to stop, but still the torturing went on. During this book, at the age of 13, Sam (the writer) was forced into marriage, as her mother wanted a grandchild. Even though this story is true, it also highlights that it does not happen normally, only because the family was outrageously evil did this happen.

The present
These days arranged marriage is slightly different to the past. Parents still organise meetings with other families but the difference is that the man and woman get to date for as long as they want and come to a decision in their own time as to whether they wish to get married. Just like dating except it’s in the name of marriage and your parents know about it. Most individuals within the Asian community do not mind arranged marriage, as they understand the real meaning, unlike what the stereotype states that it is something that takes place against the persons will.

So there you have it, the true meaning of arranged marriage.