Arranged Marriages: The Global Trends That Highlight Why They're Good And Why Kenyans Should Consider Them

Arranged Marriages: The Global Trends That Highlight Why They’re Good And Why Kenyans Should Consider Them

By Steve Biko Wafula / Published April 24, 2023 | 4:01 pm

KEY POINTS

Studies have shown that arranged marriages have a lower divorce rate compared to love marriages. This is because the families of the couple are involved in the process and work to ensure that the marriage lasts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Arranged marriages often involve a careful selection process that considers factors such as social status, education, and religion to ensure that the couple is compatible. This can be particularly beneficial in societies where social and cultural factors play an important role in marriage.

Arranged marriages have been a cultural practice in many parts of the world for centuries, and they are still prevalent in many countries today.

While many people may view arranged marriages as outdated or oppressive, there are several reasons why they can be beneficial, both for the individuals involved and for society as a whole.

Here are some global trends that highlight why arranged marriages are good:

Cultural Preservation: One of the primary reasons why arranged marriages are still popular in many countries is that they help to preserve cultural traditions and values. In countries like India, for example, arranged marriages are seen as a way of maintaining cultural and religious practices. By continuing to practice arranged marriages, societies can ensure that their cultural heritage is passed down to future generations.

Reduced Divorce Rates: Studies have shown that arranged marriages have a lower divorce rate compared to love marriages. This is because the families of the couple are involved in the process and work to ensure that the marriage lasts. In arranged marriages, the couple’s families often take a more active role in the relationship, providing support and guidance to help the couple work through challenges and build a strong foundation for their marriage.

Compatibility: Arranged marriages often involve a careful selection process that considers factors such as social status, education, and religion to ensure that the couple is compatible. This can be particularly beneficial in societies where social and cultural factors play an important role in marriage. By carefully matching couples based on these factors, arranged marriages can help to reduce conflict and increase the likelihood of a successful, long-term relationship.

In Kenya, the high rate of divorces and the challenges that many couples are facing in their marriages have led to a renewed interest in arranged marriages. By adopting this traditional practice, Kenyans can benefit from the same advantages that arranged marriages offer globally. Kenyans can ensure that their cultural heritage is preserved, enjoy the benefits of reduced divorce rates, and increase the likelihood of a successful, long-term relationship by carefully selecting compatible partners. While arranged marriages are not for everyone, it is important for Kenyans to consider them as a viable option when seeking to build a strong and lasting union.

Arranged marriages have been a cultural practice in many parts of the world for centuries, and they are now making a comeback in Kenya. With the high rate of divorces and the challenges that many couples are facing in their marriages, more and more Kenyans are considering arranged marriages as a way of ensuring a lasting union.

Here are my reasons, am wondering, what are your thoughts?

Long-term commitment: Arranged marriages are usually based on the premise of a long-term commitment. The families of the couple work together to ensure that the marriage lasts, and this involves a lot of effort and resources.
Family involvement: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple are involved from the beginning, and they work together to ensure that the couple is compatible and happy.
Compatibility: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple carefully consider factors such as social status, religion, and education to ensure that the couple is compatible.
Reduced divorce rate: Studies have shown that arranged marriages have a lower divorce rate compared to love marriages. This is because the families of the couple are involved in the process and work to ensure that the marriage lasts.
Reduced pressure: In a love marriage, there is often a lot of pressure on the couple to make the relationship work. In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple take on some of this pressure, which can help to reduce stress on the couple.
Social status: In many Kenyan communities, arranged marriages are seen as a symbol of social status. Families with arranged marriages are often regarded as being more respectable and traditional.
Compatibility testing: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple carefully consider factors such as personality, likes and dislikes, and goals to ensure that the couple is compatible.
Cultural values: Arranged marriages are deeply rooted in cultural values, and they often involve a lot of tradition and ceremony. This can be a meaningful and fulfilling experience for the couple and their families.
Family support: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple are often very supportive of the relationship, which can be very helpful in times of difficulty.
Financial stability: In many Kenyan communities, arranged marriages are seen as a way of ensuring financial stability for the couple. The families of the couple often work together to provide financial support, which can be very helpful in the early years of the marriage.
Tradition: Arranged marriages are a traditional practice in many Kenyan communities, and many families see them as an important part of their heritage.
Reduced stress: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple are often involved in the planning and preparation for the wedding, which can help to reduce stress on the couple.
Support network: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple often become a support network for the couple, which can be very helpful in times of difficulty.
Family values: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple often share similar values and beliefs, which can be very helpful in building a strong foundation for the marriage.
Cultural preservation: Arranged marriages are often seen as a way of preserving cultural traditions and values. By continuing to practice arranged marriages, Kenyan communities can ensure that their cultural heritage is passed down to future generations.
Reduced risk: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple often carefully consider factors such as health and genetics to ensure that the couple is not at risk of passing on any hereditary diseases or conditions.
Better communication: In an arranged marriage, the families of the couple often communicate and work together even after the wedding, which can be very helpful in resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy relationship.
Mutual respect: In an arranged marriage, the couple often begins their relationship with a strong sense of mutual respect, which can be very helpful in building a healthy and lasting union
Family acceptance: In many Kenyan communities, arranged marriages are seen as a way of ensuring that the couple’s families are accepting and supportive of the relationship. This can be very helpful in building a strong and stable foundation for the marriage.
Personal growth: In an arranged marriage, the couple often has the opportunity to grow and develop together, as they work through the challenges and opportunities that come with building a life together.

Arranged marriages are making a comeback in Kenya, and there are many good reasons why Kenyans should consider adopting this traditional practice. Arranged marriages offer many benefits, including long-term commitment, family involvement, compatibility testing, reduced divorce rates, reduced pressure, social status, cultural values, family support, financial stability, tradition, reduced stress, support networks, family values, cultural preservation, reduced risk, better communication, mutual respect, family acceptance, and personal growth. By embracing arranged marriages, Kenyans can build strong and lasting relationships that are based on mutual respect, shared values, and a strong sense of community.

About Steve Biko Wafula

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters.He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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