ARRANGED MARRIAGES The evolution and modernization of arranged marriage in Indian culture
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18 | THE PROSPECTOR
rranged marriage has been an integral part of Indian culture for multiple centuries. With more than 95% of all marriages in India being arranged, ac-
cording to the New York Times, this custom has a considerable influence on the family dynamic in the traditional nuclear Indian family. To briefly summarize, arranged marriage is a result of matchmaking where a couple is introduced by a third party—matchmaker, newspaper ad, parents, mutual friends or other factors. This process has often considered caste (the Indian class system), astrology signs, skin tone, and socioeconomic status. However, many of these criteria, especially skin tone and caste, have been deemed antiquated as they are considered colorist and classist. While still prevalent, many second generation Indi-
an Americans no longer value these determinants of marital compatibility and are breaking the mold by not conforming to the tradition of arranged marriage. Nonetheless, matchmaking does still consider physical aspects because it is a large aspect of human attraction. Said Radha Patel, founder of Single to Shaadi matchmaking services, “I do believe that that attraction is evolutionary, so there’s a point that if you’re not
attracted to tall, dark and handsome, that’s fair, you’re just not attracted to it. So while we don’t act about it explicitly, we do take people’s preferences into account because in all candidness, I’m not going to be a successful matchmaker if I’m not helping you find what you’re looking for.” There is a complex balance between trying to break the stereotype that matchmaking promotes certain beauty standards but
still finding a client someone they find attractive. Arranged marriages have been known in particular to perpetuate strict gender roles. Most matches are heterosexual, and in the past, have catered to the man’s needs more while women felt more pressured into marriages. Said Patel, “sexism is systemic in almost every institution around the entire world. Matchmaking is not any different. [...] male clients are like ‘I only want women who are under
a certain age because I want to have children naturally.’” However, as communities are evolving and beginning to dismantle the sexist
