Loveless Marriages
Kenethia Lewis
ANT 101
January 16, 2014
Crystal Scheib
Loveless Marriages
The study of cultural anthropology closely analyzes, describes, and records the human and social similarities and differences of each culture. “Cultures have traditions, customs, values, and patterns of thought that guide the behavior of individuals in a group”(Kottak, 2012). A commonly known, rite of passage that is practiced by almost every culture is marriage. Marriage is a sacred ceremony of two people who profess their love for one another. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the marriage practices of Navajo and the Nayar of India cultures. . In addition, I will discuss possible cultural factors like kinship, division of labor, and gender roles that may or may not be related to the each culture. Although very unique in other instances, the Navajo and the Nayar of India consider it the norm to arrange their children’s marriages.
It is often quite hard for some to fully understand and respect other cultures marriage practices. All cultures cherish their own marriage traditions and rituals. Individuals have a strong faith in regard for marriage, for the fact it establishes the family component. Marriages among the Navajo and the Nayar of India cultures have many similarities and differences. Globally there are two type of marriage practices love and arrange marriages. Love marriages are practiced in the Western nations like the United States and Europe. Love marriages are usually based on a mutual respect of love and compassion between two individuals. There are many cultures that place less emphasis on love marriages. Arranged marriages dominate Asia and North Africa. An arrange marriage is when the parents or respectable family member chooses a potential bride or groom for their child. Media representation of arrange marriages receive negative press, often associated as “forced marriages.”
Anthropologists believe the...