Is there a need for arranged marriages?
An arranged marriage can be defined as an engagement between two individuals that has been organised by relatives on behalf of the parties concerned. Although some may put forward the arguments that arranged marriages are kind gestures from supportive relatives, or ways of obtaining a secure life with a lifelong partner, this essay will argue why arranged marriages should no longer be tolerated within societies today. Firstly, arranged marriages suppress the individuality of human beings. Secondly, this type of marriage can be seen as extremely archaic, with no real purpose or function today. Arranged marriages may also lead to an unhealthy environment for both individuals involved.
Arranged marriages hamper individuals’ rights to liberty when choosing who they want to marry. They should no longer be tolerated because they block the basic human rights of freedom of expression and choice, as well as stopping individuals from making their own decisions. For instance, an arranged marriage hinders the chance of individuals choosing their own partner based on similar interests, happiness, and even love. Consider whether it should be tolerated to compel someone into a marriage where they have no mutual interests with their arranged spouse? Moreover in many nations today, there is a prominent notion of letting individuals have freedom of speech. By entering into an arranged marriage, this freedom of speech is stripped from the individual, as many are unable to successfully voice their disapproval of the chosen spouse. On the other hand, it can be argued that parents and other family members engaging in the decision of the arranged marriage know far better, and want what is best for their children. This can be exemplified in the fact that because relatives are older and wiser, with more knowledge regarding the world, they can be seen as being ‘qualified’ to select, and ‘better judges’ of choosing their childrens’ spouses. However, this argument may be seen as weak and under-developed, because many relatives may actually fail to take into consideration, and fail to act on behalf of, the childrens’ best interests, since instead they might choose to act out of their own self-interests. An example of this may be parents and relatives choosing partners for their children that are wealthier or of noble status.
Moreover, arranged marriages are viewed by many as outdated and ancient. Contrarily, in various cultures, such as South Asian culture, the existence of arranged marriages is commonplace. Furthermore, many South Asians deem arranged marriages to be of the norm, since they themselves may have been placed into one. These cultures also perceive arranged marriages to be beneficial, enjoyable and a new experience for their children. For instance, the divorce rate in India is one of the lowest in the world, which may lead to some people putting forward the argument that arranged marriages are successful. Although in the past arranged marriages were prevalent in society, (and still are in the developing parts of the world), they should no longer be tolerated because there is no need for them today. This is because the emerging generation is fully capable of making their own decisions, due to the more developed education systems. Also, the argument for arranged marriages working is weak, as there is no concrete evidence that the low divorce rate in India is (solely) due to arranged marriage successes.
Additionally, arranged marriages should no longer be tolerated in the current world because one, or both, individuals could end up unhappy and unhealthy. Despite advocates for arranged marriages maintaining that they provide a sense of security and stability with a lifelong partner, this argument can be seen as irrelevant if the individuals within the marriage are depressed. Arranged marriages may potentially lead to the mental health of individuals deteriorating, especially if one partner is abusive, or nothing in common is shared between partners (this may lead to limited conversations, and undoubtedly, grief). The imposition of an arranged marriage may also lead to resentment of the relatives who enforced the marriage.
In conclusion, although arranged marriages may present appealing notions, like achieving a sense of certainty in life, fundamentally, they should no longer be tolerated. This is due to their harsh suppression of individuals’ rights to freedom of speech and expression, their potential to lead to mental health illnesses, as well as their lack of real, significant purpose and need today.