THE IMPACT OF INDIAN

CULTURE ON MARRIAGE:
O L I V I A R O S S B A C H
H U M A N G R O W T H A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
J E N N I F E R H A W L E Y
M A R C H 1 3 , 2 O 1 4
EXPLANATION OF ISSUES:
India is roughly one-third the size of the United States and is one of the
world's most ethnically diverse countries (Republic of India, 2014).

In Indian society, men place a high value on womens desire for home and
children, and their abilities as cooks and homemakers (Myers,
Madathil, & Tingle, 2005).
Households in India often consist of more than just the nuclear family and
when compared to countries around the world, India had one of the
highest rates of joint families (Bowman & Dollahite, 2013).

In joint families, women enter as strangers and have no choice but to
adapt and conform to the role given them by the husband's family
(Bowman & Dollahite, 2013).
In addition to being ethnically diverse, their
culture presents an interesting viewpoint on
marriage.

Culture is defined as the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or
age group; or the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and
transmitted from one generation to another.(Culture, 2014).
EVIDENCE:
In Indian society, because of the influence of caste and cultural
backgrounds, it is observed that marriage selection is not based on
romantic love but rather the familys choice (Myers, et al., 2005).

Many couples were under the impression that parents can look at the
potential marriage partners objectively and from a standpoint of
experience and wisdom (Bowman & Dollahite, 2013).

In arranged marriages, individuals marry according to their familys
wishes, and the focus is on accepting and adjusting to partners after
marriage (Myers, et al., 2005).


A majority of couples have very little contact with
each other before marriage and in some cases they
had never seen each other (Bowman & Dollahite,
2013).

Love is expected to grow as the spouses learn more
about each other as the years go by (Myers, et al.,
2005).
ASSUMPTIONS:
One bias or assumption rooted in India's culture that possibly
contributes to their beliefs towards marriage is the Indian belief in
fate, or the concept that life events are predetermined, and
individuals do not have control over them (Myers, et al., 2005).

In addition, the caste system in India is the foundation upon which all of
Hindu society is built, defining what jobs or professions one may
pursue as well as whom one may marry (Bowman & Dollahite, 2013).

Perhaps these influence their cultural belief in the fact they are not in
control of their own spouse selection.
STUDENTS POSITION:
In the United States, over 90% of people choose to marry at some point
in their lives (Myers, et al., 2005).

In this country individuals actively select their spouse, and therefore,
more thought is given to the desired characteristics (Myers, et al.,
2005).

Growing up in the United States, Americans are given the opportunity
and freedom to make choices every day and marriage is no
exception. Being able to choose a spouse is not only a future goal of
many but also a privilege when compared to other countries cultures,
for example India.



Interestingly, a study was done on satisfaction
in marriages in India compared to those in
the United States...

Twenty eight Indian couples from arranged marriages and thirty one
American couples were surveyed, finding husbands and wives were
more satisfied with their arranged marital relationships (Myers, et al.,
2005).

Furthermore, in the United States, where marriages of choice dominate,
individuals place a high priority on love and loyalty when
characterizing marriage and satisfaction (Myers, et al., 2005).

In India, where marriage partners are chosen by the families of the
partners rather than by the individuals themselves, love was found to
be a less important distinguisher to marital happiness (Myers, et al.,
2005).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELATED OUTCOMES
OR IMPLICATIONS:


Collectivism, or group priority over individuals, fostered by the
Indian culture in marriage beliefs might contribute to future
development such as, a greater sense of pride in ones cultural
heritage, identification with ones cultural background and a
feeling of greater support from those who share ones cultural
values compared to the United States (Myers, et al., 2005).
REFERENCES:
Bowman, J. L., & Dollahite, D. C. (2013). "Why Would Such a Person Dream About
Heaven?" Family, Faith, and Happiness in Arranged Marriages in India. Journal Of
Comparative Family Studies, 44(2), 207-225

Culture. (2014). Retrieved March 12, 2014, from Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/culture

Myers, J. B., Madathil, J., & Tingle, L. R. (2005). Marriage Satisfaction and Wellness in
India and the United States: A Preliminary Comparison of Arranged Marriages and
Marriages of Choice. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 83(2), 183-190

Republic of India. (2014). Retrieved February 14, 2014, from Caroline County Public
Library website:
http://auth.esrl.org:2179/world/world_country.php?contid=3&wmn=Asia&cid=75
&cn=India