Love Marriage
LAST UPDATED: JUL 17, 2023
Love marriage, which is the union of two individuals who have chosen to marry each other based
on their mutual feelings of love and attraction, has become an increasingly prevalent form
of marriage across the world. While it represents a significant shift away from traditional arranged
marriages, which are still practiced in many cultures, love marriage is not without its challenges
and criticisms.
What is love marriage?
A love marriage, often known as a “romantic marriage,” is a kind of marriage in which two persons
select each other based on mutual affection, desire, and love. Unlike arranged weddings, where
families and matchmakers are engaged in the choosing of a mate, love marriages are based on the
individual’s independent decision. While love marriages are popular in many cultures worldwide,
they remain a matter of discussion and examination. Some view weddings as a sign of modernity
and personal freedom, while others believe that they violate cultural norms and damage the social
fabric of society.
In anthropology, marriage is considered a cultural institution that differs among countries and
historical periods. Love marriage, or the practise of selecting one’s own mate based on love
impulses rather than arranged marriage or other cultural standards, is a relatively new phenomenon
in many civilizations.
Anthropologists have researched love marriage as a cultural practise, looking at how it is impacted
by elements such as economic, social, and political developments, as well as human wishes and
feelings. Some anthropologists have also looked at how love marriage links to wider cultural
themes such as gender roles, individualism, and globalisation.
For example, some studies have indicated that love marriage is more prevalent in communities
where there is a high degree of individualism and where individuals have more liberty in selecting
their mates. Other studies have looked at how love marriage connects with gender roles and found
that it may challenge established views of gender and family structures.
Overall, the study of love marriage in anthropology entails analysing the cultural, social, and
emotional variables that define this practise and how it fits into wider cultural and historical
settings.
Types of Love-Essence Marriage
There are several forms of love marriage that have been discovered by academics and experts.
Here are some of the types of love marriages:
Romantic love marriage: This sort of love marriage is based on the deep emotional and physical
desire between two people. It is marked by passion, closeness, and dedication.
Companionate love marriage: This sort of love marriage is built on a close friendship and
camaraderie between two people. It is defined by closeness, commitment, and a shared life
together. [16]
Pragmatic love marriage: This sort of love marriage is founded on practical concerns such as
social position, financial stability, or family expectations. It is characterised by a more pragmatic
and practical attitude towards finding a spouse. [15]
Organised love marriage: This sort of love marriage is organised by families or matchmakers with
the permission of both participants. It is defined by the slow growth of love and affection between
the two persons through time. [14]
Overall, these forms of love marriage demonstrate the diverse aspects that might impact the
establishment and maintenance of romantic relationships in different cultural settings.
Impact of Love Marriage on Culture
Love marriage has been described as a “revolutionary” change in marital practices that has
challenged the traditional cultural norms surrounding marriage [9]. In many cultures, arranged
marriage was the norm, and it was seen as a means to maintain social status and familial ties.
Love marriage, on the other hand, emphasizes individual choice and autonomy in marital decisions.
This shift towards individualism has had broader cultural implications, particularly in terms of
gender roles. In patriarchal societies, arranged marriage was often used as a means to maintain
male dominance and control over women’s lives [7]. Women had little say in their marital decisions,
and their primary role was to fulfill the expectations of their families and society. Love marriage,
however, empowers women to assert their agency and make decisions based on their own desires
and aspirations [3].
Furthermore, love marriage has brought about changes in the way relationships are perceived and
experienced. It has created a space for romantic love to be acknowledged and celebrated, which
was often overlooked in arranged marriages. This shift towards romantic love has also led to a
greater emphasis on emotional intimacy and companionship in relationships (Regan, 2017).
However, it is important to note that the impact of love marriage on culture can vary depending on
the society in question. In some cultures, love marriage is seen as a threat to traditional values and
customs, and there may be resistance to its adoption [7]. Nonetheless, the impact of love marriage
on culture is undeniable, and its influence on attitudes towards relationships and marriage
continues to be felt.
Critical Analysis
Individual autonomy and agency: Love marriage enables people to express their autonomy and
agency in selecting their life partners, depending on their own choices and sentiments [8]. However,
this also suggests that the responsibility for the success or failure of the marriage is largely on the
people themselves, which may be a cause of strain and tension [1].
Compatibility and commitment: While romantic love and emotional closeness are key aspects of a
successful marriage, compatibility in terms of values, aspirations, lifestyles, and personalities, as
well as a shared commitment to the partnership, are equally critical [2]. Neglecting these variables
may lead to marital discontent and divorce, even in loving marriages [13].
Cultural and social norms: Love marriage may challenge conventional or conservative cultural and
social norms, which may see arranged marriage, family honour, or social standing as more
significant than personal choice or passionate love [6]. This may lead to difficulties and tensions
between people and their families or communities, particularly in circumstances where love
marriage is stigmatised or forbidden [4].
Gender and power dynamics: Love marriage may be impacted by gender and power dynamics,
since women may experience more pressure to comply with societal standards or family beliefs or
may be exposed to restrictions or violence if they pick a spouse outside of their group or faith [10].
Moreover, men and women may have differing amounts of autonomy and decision-making ability in
selecting their relationships, depending on their social and cultural circumstances [11].
Emotional and psychological well-being: A love marriage may have a substantial influence on the
emotional and psychological well-being of the persons involved. Positive results such as love,
friendship, and support may boost their happiness and life satisfaction, whereas bad outcomes
such as conflict, abuse, or adultery can lead to sadness, anxiety, and trauma [5].
In conclusion, love marriage is a complicated and dynamic phenomenon that has both benefits and
disadvantages. A critical examination of love marriage should take into consideration the
numerous cultural, societal, and personal elements that impact its creation and consequences and
address the dangers and rewards connected with it.