GCSE Religious Studies · key term

Arranged marriage

Definition

A marriage in which families or others introduce or recommend a partner, with both prospective spouses freely consenting.

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Paper 1

A marriage in which families help to find a partner, but both people must freely agree to marry.
In an arranged marriage, relatives help to find a suitable partner, but the two people decide whether to marry. Within British Muslim communities, this can connect family involvement with the couple’s wishes. Shared religion, values and family expectations may be important when considering compatibility.
Revise: Relationships in Islam
Marriage in which families or others take a leading role in finding a prospective partner, with the couple’s consent.
Revise: Relationships in Hinduism

1
Distinguish arranged marriage, where the couple can refuse, from forced marriage, where genuine consent is absent.
2
Distinguish arranged marriage from forced marriage: family involvement in finding a partner does not itself mean that consent is absent.
3
Do not confuse arranged marriage with forced marriage. Consent is the essential distinction.

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