Question

Why do people get married? Quite contrary to what books, films, songs, and TV dramas tell us, anthropologists recognize that love and sexual attraction are not the key reasons most people get married, either in the United States or in other countries.

What other factors are considered important when individuals decide to get married and which of these, or combination of these, are crucial in determining the long term success of marriage? Which qualities would you personally look for in a marriage partner (or if you are married, what did you look for)? Would you be comfortable with someone else selecting your marriage partner for you rather than doing so yourself? What factors might contribute to deciding to never marry and would there be any negative consequences to remaining permanently unmarried in your culture/society?

Answer 1

• In todays' time marriage is something which people are taking their time to do.Marriage comes last on people's list now.Instead,people are focusing more on becoming financially independent,make a life of their own,travel the world,and do things for themselves rather than making commitments.People have become highly independent,and committing to marriage requires a great deal of thinking.
• Love is one of the reasons to get married but now it has gone beyond love or attraction.It is the need to have a companion,to share your life with someone which influences people to get married.Also,now its the age which has become another factor to get married.Parental pressure on their children,to get married as soon as possible has become a major reason.People are getting married late in their 30s,which is creating increased pressure.
• Some people get married to have a family life with children,which is also changing now.More people are becoming single parents through adoption or surrogacy.But some still follow the traditional route of having their own biological children,so they decide to get married.
• For long term success of marriage,in my opinion,understanding each other is important.Compromising needs to happen from both sides for a successful marriage.
• If you can handle a marriage,and a presence of someone in your life forever,then only one should get married.Being secure about yourself,will help in being secure about your marriage and trusting your partner,which would lead to long term success of marriage.
• A partner needs to be understanding of their spouse's opinions,values,beliefs etc. and should communicate with each other for a healthy marriage.Trust is very important for a good marriage.
• Being their for each other and standing up for each other,builds the care and love in marriage.
• In my culture,Indian culture,arranged marriages are common.We are accustomed to pur parents selecting partners for us but that is also changing.Parents do set up meetings,but we meet our prospective partners and talk on an individual level without the involvement of parents and make our own decision to take it forward or not.I think its a good way to have a say in the decision,unlike olden times,when people were not even allowed to see their future spouse.
• Due to time limit,any remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation