In anthropology, arranged marriage is a social institution where families—often parents—select a spouse for an individual, emphasizing kinship, tradition, and collective interests over personal choice. It is common in collectivist societies and historically served to strengthen alliances, preserve lineage, and maintain cultural continuity.

🌍 Definition

• Arranged Marriage: A marital union organized by families rather than chosen solely by the individuals involved.
• Contrast:
  • Love Marriage: Partners select each other based on affection or personal choice.
  • Arranged Marriage: Families prioritize social, economic, or cultural compatibility.

🔑 Anthropological Contexts

• Kinship & Lineage:
  • Arranged marriages reinforce family ties and clan alliances.
  • Historically used to maintain property, inheritance, and social status.
• Cultural Variation:
  • Common in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), the Middle East, and parts of East Asia.
  • Ancient civilizations (Egypt, Rome) also practiced arranged unions for political and economic reasons.
• Social Function:
  • Ensures continuity of cultural traditions.
  • Often involves negotiation of dowry or bridewealth.
• Modern Adaptations:
  • In many societies today, arranged marriages allow individuals some choice (semi-arranged), blending tradition with modern values.

📚 Importance in Anthropology

• Cultural Identity: Reflects collectivist values where family and community outweigh individual preference.
• Social Cohesion: Strengthens alliances between families and communities.
• Economic & Political Dimensions: Historically used to secure wealth, land, or political power.
• Comparative Insight: Highlights differences between collectivist and individualist societies in marital practices.

In short: Arranged marriage in anthropology is a family-organized union that prioritizes kinship, tradition, and collective interests, historically serving social, economic, and political functions across cultures.

Sources: Anthroholic – Arranged Marriage in Anthropology; Oxford Academic – Analysis of Arranged Marriage; OpenStax Anthropology – Marriage Across Cultures; Dartmouth – Marriage Through an Anthropological Lens; EBSCO Research Starter – Arranged Marriage.