In many traditional countries of the Middle East and Far East, arranged marriages fulfill significant social and economic functions. This type of parental power is more common where devotion to tradition is greater than that of a woman's position. Data received from Japan illustrates that these engagements often replace dating. In the present-day Western countries, this is considered outdated. Love is a popularly accepted principle of marriage. (Document C).
In the midst of Moslem Arabs, a paternal uncle's son is regarded as the predestined husband for a girl unless there is some very strong motive in opposition to it. A mother's nephew is a worthy following choice, and failing that, any person in the bigger family ring. In the case that a match has been consented, there are extensive and complex financial preparations to be made. The soon-to-be groom, as well as making an expense towards the bride's outfit and furnishings, creates an arrangement for another expense in the event that he divorces the wife (Document A). A young man can stop an engagement several times, but a young woman whose engagement is terminated, will stay with no husband for the rest of her life. If her engagement is ceased, society will look upon the girl as having something gravely wrong with her. Brides whose marriage or engagements are unsuccessful frequently commit suicide (Document F).
Though many westerners think that arranged marriages cut away at one's freedom, some Indian teenagers strongly disagree. Some agree that they are too inexperienced to judge the character of someone they just met. They believe that their parents are wise and not as easily mislead. (Document B).
On the other hand, some easterners think the western marriages aren't as great as they may seem. Some find it humiliating, in the sense that, a girl has to attempt to appear striking and draw attention to herself, in order to attract a boy.
