Arranged Marriage: The Politics of Tradition, Resistance, and Change

Arranged Marriage: The Politics of Tradition, Resistance, and Change explores how arranged marriage practices are transforming due to global and other processes, highlighting the gendered and intergenerational politics of agency, autonomy, choice, consent, and intimacy. It shows that arranged marriages can be reshaped, reinvented, and reinterpreted flexibly in response to individual, family, religious, class, ethnic, and other desires, needs, and constraints.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Arranged marriage, a deeply rooted tradition steeped in cultural and societal norms, has been undergoing a remarkable transformation in recent years. This transformative process is driven by a multitude of global and local factors, including the revolutionary advancements in digital technology, the democratization of transnational mobility, and the shifting dynamics of patriarchal power structures. Arranged Marriage: The Politics of Tradition, Resistance, and Change delves into the intricate interplay of gendered and intergenerational politics of agency, autonomy, choice, consent, and intimacy within the context of arranged marriages. Through ethnographic insights, the book highlights how individuals navigate the complexities of partner selection and marriage management, while also acknowledging the increasing diversity and adaptability of arranged marriages. It emphasizes that arranged marriages can be reshaped, reinvented, and reinterpreted flexibly to align with individual desires, family expectations, religious beliefs, social classes, ethnic backgrounds, and other pertinent factors.

The authors of this compelling work make a strong case that a nuanced investigation of arranged marriages offers a valuable analytical lens that can shed light on a wide range of phenomena. By delving into the reasons, complex dynamics, and consequences of these marriages, the book provides a fresh perspective on issues such as globalization, modernization, international migration, patriarchal value regimes, intergenerational power imbalances, and the vulnerability of women. It challenges traditional notions of arranged marriage as a static and rigid practice and instead presents it as a dynamic and fluid phenomenon that responds to the changing needs and desires of individuals and societies.

One of the key insights of the book is that arranged marriages are not solely driven by cultural or societal pressures but are also shaped by individual agency and autonomy. The authors argue that individuals have the capacity to negotiate and redefine their relationships within the framework of arranged marriages, and that these negotiations can lead to positive outcomes for both partners and their families. This highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the agency of individuals in shaping their own lives and relationships, regardless of the cultural context in which they operate.

Another important aspect of the book is its recognition of the diverse desires, needs, and constraints that shape arranged marriages. The authors acknowledge that arranged marriages can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including cultural norms, family expectations, religious beliefs, economic considerations, and personal aspirations. By recognizing these diverse factors, the book provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of arranged marriages and their impact on individuals and societies.

Furthermore, the book explores the consequences of arranged marriages on individuals and society as a whole. It highlights the potential for empowerment and liberation as well as the risks and challenges associated with these marriages. The authors argue that a nuanced understanding of arranged marriages can help policymakers and social activists develop more effective strategies for promoting gender equality, reducing intergenerational power imbalances, and promoting social cohesion.

In conclusion, Arranged Marriage: The Politics of Tradition, Resistance, and Change is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of arranged marriages. Through ethnographic insights and a multidisciplinary approach, the book challenges traditional notions of arranged marriage and presents it as a dynamic and fluid phenomenon that responds to the changing needs and desires of individuals and societies. By recognizing the agency of individuals, the diverse desires, needs, and constraints that shape arranged marriages, and the potential consequences of these marriages, the book provides a valuable analytical lens that can contribute to a deeper understanding of a wide range of social phenomena.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978822825