Lessinger's description of "arranged marriage" portrays the functionality of that system in

Question

Indian society.

Describe the functions arranged marriage fulfilled in traditional Indian society,
and how they have changed for Indian immigrants in America.
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Each culture has to formulate some process for mate selection and institutionalize and
legitimize the system to ensure the future productivity of the culture. Multiple types of mate
selection systems have been formulated, ranging from bride capture, bride purchase, dowry
systems, arranged marriages, and personal choice systems. Personal choice systems are
largely a product of westernized culture, which are rarely found or at least are considerably
restricted in most of the world's cultures.
Arranged marriage in India was functional in that it ensured that all persons would be wedded,
and parents directed the process by choosing mates who were socially and economically
appropriate for both of the extended family units. It was a very rational decision process, not
affection based. Couples were expected to develop affectional feelings as they progressed
through the marriage and acquired children.
As Indian's immigrated to America, the second generation were exposed to and adopted the
choice system of mate selection emerging in America. Traditional customs of arranged
marriage weakened, and were replaced by a "semi-arranged" system that combined features of
both the traditional Indian and modern American societies. Some of the second generation
abandoned all traditional custom and embraced the choice system completely.