Do you want to get married to a person whom you have not met or loved? Do you believe of arranged marriage? What are the contributing factors why parents prefer arranged marriage for their children? There are mixed answers to these questions, some individuals acceded to the said arrangement because they believed it is the best way to find the right partner, but some refused because they do not love the person.

Arranged marriage still exist in some countries, like Kenya, India, Philippines, China and some Arab countries. It is the kind of marriage arranged by parents of both parties to avoid the courtship process. Most often, it is practiced by wealthy and influential families in communities due to several reasons like:

* To maintain their status in society.
* To restrict their children to marry outside their community and social status.
* To ensure the success of their children.

This type of marriage arrangement dates back in 1500 in Victorian Europe. In ancient Egypt, it was practiced to keep their royal bloodline.

Meanwhile, Romans used it to form strategic alliances and to strengthen military position in the family.

Its concept changed over time as parents are more concerned on the life of their children before they consent to the said deal. They believed that marriages can only be successful if their children find their life partners according to their standard and desires, but some parents still control the lives of their children and choose their partners.

In some culture, some parents still impose this type of marriage, but parents create a short list of spouses for their children to choose. If both parties refused, negotiations are called off.

Pros:

* It keeps the marriage together because both parties have the same culture, values and views.

* Wealth, properties and assets of both families remain within the family circle. Family secretes, issues and problems also remain within both families.

* There is no incompatibility issues because parents choose their child’s partner according to religious, financial and education background compatibility.

* There is lower divorce rate compared marriages based on romantic love due to cultural and values compatibility.

* Support from parents of both parties. During trials and tribulations, husband and wife can expect financial, emotional and physical support from their parents. When a child is born and the couple had difficulty of finding credible babysitters, it is often the grandparents who pitch in and give their assistance in caring for their grandchild.

Cons:

* Marriages within the bloodline are at higher risk of developing genetic problems, such as Down’s Syndrome, blood diseases and diabetes.

* There is a possibility of ending up in an unsuitable partner.

* There is element of risk.

* Romantic love may take longer to develop.

*There is a possibility that women are dragged and treated as slaves after marriage.

* Most often, in-laws tend to interfere and meddle in family matters, like finances, child-rearing and family obligations.

Always remember that no matter what type of marriage you are in, success in marriage depends on the compromise between husbands and wives, communication and respect for each other.

Author Bio: Nicole Anne A. Smith is a writer who shares information on help save my marriage and Does couples counseling work? as well as similar marriage issues.

Category: Marriage
Keywords: arranged marriage,arranged marriages,marriage traditions