Arrange marriage and its Effects

by Bryan John Enoceña     

        The Merriam-webster online dictionary defines arranged marriage or Buya in the language of Manobo tribespeople as an engagement by which the parents of the spouses chose them for one another. According to Lilian Tiburcio, the reporter of Stand for Truth’s Runaway Child Brides, this union aims to ensure security and resources such as food for the spouse in the future. 

        As early as the 1800s, this type of union was heavily implied by Turk, M. (2022) as a “forced marriage” and estimated that over 50% of marriages are reportedly arranged globally. Wedgate (2020) states that this social tie tries to build a mutually beneficial union so that both the bride and the groom's family may maintain their social standing after the wedding. 

            Wedgate also highlighted the idea of having advantages and disadvantages in conducting this type of marriage. Some of the advantages mentioned are the notion of success, understanding relationships, and strong connections are guaranteed including security and financial support in times of accidents or calamities. On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of arranged marriage Wedgate mentioned is the absence of a love factor between the couples that may eventually affect their sympathy, decision-making, and attitude towards one another.