...Rites of passage are present in all cultures and religions throughout history. In these rites of passage, gifts play an important role both in marking the transformation and in reinforcing the relationship between the giver and the receiver of the gift. One particularly important rite of passage that is present in most cultures is that of marriage. Each culture has their own traditions surrounding weddings and while in modern day America many different traditions from cultures around the world are practiced and considered very important in today’s society. In this paper we will examine the similarities and differences between Somali-American wedding traditions and those of European-Americans, along with the religious and cultural traditions they've discarded or lessened in practice to fit into the always changing American lifestyle. In a traditional Somali-American wedding, religion plays a huge role from the very beginning of the relationship, when a man courts the woman all the way to the final stage of tying of the knot. Since 99% of Somalis are sunni-muslims, the religion that governs this marriage process is Islam. When a man is interested in marrying a woman he must first consult with his elders, then, the man must next talk to the woman’s parents and elders. The woman’s elders then make a decision based upon how well they know the man’s elders, and the if they find the man and his family to be a suitable match. How fit a man is, is not only determined by his actions but...
Words: 2371 - Pages: 10
...cross-cultural marriage Nowadays, cross-cultural marriage has become a common trend in society. Globalization, in my opinion, is nevertheless one of the primary causes that contribute to the occurrence of this phenomenon. People in in the world are no longer isolated from their geographical locations and cultures. However, one might ask whether cross-cultural and international marriage always beneficial. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss this is issue in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. From the one side, international marriage can reduce the gap that exist in both cultures. This gap is reduced because people from different cultures and nationalities have opportunity to understand each other in a very objective way. Moreover, understanding other culture will demolish all the negative stereotypes that people perceived in their minds. Furthermore, when people are able to understand one another, i believe it will result to a better and peaceful world. From other side, however, we should also realize the fact that cross-cultural and international marriage can create several problems. In a case where a couple is originated from totally two different cultures and religious beliefs, it can produce conflict, both internal and external. We often see the case where a husband or a wife is being removed from his or her family circle, simply because he or she decided to marry someone who comes from other culture that has strong attachment to certain religious belief...
Words: 324 - Pages: 2
...Cultural Differences Between Married Couple With Two Different Cultures Cultural Differences Between Married Couple With Two Different Cultures ENG-105 Research paper Summer 2014 Prepared by Sumaiya Rahman ID:-1220448030 Section:- 21 Date:- 21/08/2014 Prepared for: Shireen Haque (SnH) Acknowledgements This research paper is has been prepared as a requirement for completing my course on Eng-105 (Advance Composition). Several people have played a large role behind the development of this paper, whether by active participation or through their advice and suggestions, so I will start this paper by acknowledging the people who have provided me with their aid, which was necessary for completing this research paper. First of all I would like to thank my course instructor Mrs. Shireen Haque. She selflessly devoted her time in preparing me for conducting my research and in developing my writing skills. Her invaluable support towards my topic motivated me to conduct my research confidently. Whenever I faced any problems, she often took time off her free period to help me, and I am really grateful to her because of this. I would also like to thank my friends, especially Afsana Shompa, Risalat Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shahriar Amin and Richard Chakma, for helping me out in conducting the survey and also for their honest opinions regarding my topic and the questionnaire, and there is no way that I can fully repay the...
Words: 3650 - Pages: 15
...in society, and a term “marriage” developed. In their book, The Ties that Bind: Perspectives on Marriage and Cohabitation, Bachrach, Hindin, and Thomson define marriage “as a legally and socially recognized union, ideally lifelong, that entails sexual, economic, social rights and obligations for the partners” (3-16). Since the evolution of marriages, there have also been arranged marriages. This can be seen as the arrangement of a marriage by a third party, usually by the couple’s parents. Arranged marriages may lead to a longer lasting relationship than non-arranged marriages, because the success of the marriage is stronger with a support system, since the parents, community, religion, and cultural background are involved in making and sustaining the marriage bond. Initially one might believe that arranged marriages are a distinct feature of the eastern societies but the western societies also have deep roots and seeds of arranged marriage customs and traditions. Arranged marriages have existed for centuries, and it traditions are still practiced today. Many might see an arranged marriage as forced or unwanted but studies done by Myers, Madathil, and Tingle “showed that differences in marital satisfaction between arranged and non-arranged couples are typically insignificant” (183-190). Even a study conducted by Schwartz, “found that ratings of passion, intimacy, and commitment were not significantly different between arranged and non-arranged marriages. Her study also study...
Words: 2339 - Pages: 10
...Child marriage is a formal marriage or informal union entered into by an individual before reaching the age of 18. The legally prescribed marriageable age in some jurisdictions is below 18 years, especially in the case of girls; and even when the age is set at 18 years, many jurisdictions permit earlier marriage with parental consent or in special circumstances, such as teenage pregnancy. In certain countries, even when the legal marriage age is 18, cultural traditions take priority over legislative law.[3] Child marriage affects both boys and girls, though the overwhelming majority of those affected are girls, most of whom are in poor socioeconomic situations. Child marriage is related to child betrothal, and it includes civil cohabitation and court approved early marriages after teenage pregnancy. In many cases, only one marriage-partner is a child, usually the female. Causes of child marriages include poverty, bride price, dowry, cultural traditions, laws that allow child marriages, religious and social pressures, regional customs, fear of remaining unmarried, illiteracy, and perceived inability of women to work for money. Child marriages were common throughout history for a variety of reasons, including poverty, insecurity, as well as for political and financial reasons. Today, child marriage is still fairly widespread in developing countries, such as parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. The incidence of child marriage has...
Words: 520 - Pages: 3
...Advantages and drawbacks of cross cultural marriages With the cultural globalization phenomena, cross cultural marriage has become a current issue. And either it comes from a whirlwind romance or an internet-based relationship, a cultural clash comes to add stress on the already stressing lives of most families nowadays. Personally, it seems to me that marrying a foreigner could be an exciting adventure, and despite the variety of special, new and strange issues it might arise, it could be though, interesting and challenging. However, it is good to bear in mind that these apparently refreshing traits of challenging relationships may often become a source of frustration, conflict, misunderstanding and hurt. When it comes to raise children, I entirely agree the influence of another cultural pattern of behavior can be extremely positive, as it might broaden their minds. Actually, only if both parents try to speak their own native language at home, the children are raised bilingual, which is a great thing nowadays. Although, I strongly believe it involves certain awareness in order to guarantee the success of these long term commitments. It is often claimed that beside this awesomeness with regard to cross cultural couples, there are certain drawbacks which are difficult to overcome. Firstly and foremost, the cultural gap usually implies not being able to share each other’s humor, which I agree is one of the main foundations of a healthy relationship. Not to mention the way...
Words: 2294 - Pages: 10
...The Nature of Relationships in Different Cultures Hofstede defined culture as “the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group from another”. From research analysis Hofstede was able to classify the different countries on a continuum from extremely individualistic to extremely collectivist. Relationships in individualistic and collectivist societies differ in the degree to which they are voluntary or non-voluntary. Individualistic societies generally have a high degree of social & geographical mobility, allowing frequent interaction with a large number of people and thus a greater choice in romantic relationships. Collectivist societies have less social and geographical mobility thus people have less choice about whom they interact with. Also, Interactions with strangers are rare and are often tied to other factors such as family or economic resources. Cultures also differ in the degree to which relationships reflect the interests of the individual or the family. In individualistic societies, individual interests are deemed more important & romantic relationships are more likely to be formed on the basis of love & attraction. Also, relationships tend to be short-term as one can end the relationship if one is unhappy whereas In collectivist cultures, relationships are more likely to reflect the interests of the entire family and are long-term. This is because, one cannot end the relationship despite being unhappy because they need to...
Words: 1365 - Pages: 6
...Marriage Practices within other Cultures ANT101 Jason Randall Thompson, Ph.D October 14, 2013 Marriage Practices within other Cultures Marriage is a fundamental cornerstone of human economic, social, and kinship networks Murdock (1949). Indeed, marriage as an elementary principle of human kinship systems has long been considered a central aspect of between group alliances Levi-Strauss (1949). The exchange of mates among kin groups and accompanying networks of economic exchange are widespread and arguably create the foundation of human social organization Chapais B (2008; 2010). However, considerable cultural variation around the world opens up the question of whether regulated exchange of mates across kin groups represents the ancestral form of marriage or whether it is a recently derived consequence of more intensive modes of subsistence. This question is important to answer because in some societies marriage is a nonchalant affair with limited regulation in courtship marriages with no prescriptions, while in others marriages are arranged and regulated by complex rules and prescriptions Chapais B (2008); Flinn MV, Low BS (1986). Humans lived as hunter-gatherers for most of our species’ history hence cultural variation amongst recent hunter-gatherers may be useful for reconstructing ancestral human social structure (Lee RB, DeVore I, eds; Hawkes K, O’Connell JF, Blurton-Jones NG (2001); Marlowe F, 2003). When we examine marriage practices of American, Israeli, and Pakistani...
Words: 3052 - Pages: 13
...Ethnography (Milestone 3) Bali is one of Indonesia's most prosperous provinces and wet-rice production is their economic mainstays (Jha 4). For this ethnography project, the cultural group that was investigated is the Balinese of Indonesia from a post colonial period. There are several topics with respect to the cultural group that are discussed in this paper such as gender roles, kinship, and marriage. These topics have great importance in understanding the social structure of the families of Bali. According to Scupin, "Some societies approve of premarital and extramarital sexual relations, whereas others strictly segregate males from females to prohibit such relations" (Scupin 70). The role of Balinese women is of great importance in their society's everyday life. Women are primarily important as mothers because they are organizers and are caring nurturers. It is the mother who is responsible for the physical, moral, and ritual care of children. These responsibilities include cooking and feeding, cleaning, laundry, housework, dressing, teaching of everyday life skills, responsibility for the child's ritual purity and safety, teaching of manners and guidance on children's social problems and moral training (Parker 163). Balinese women do not attempt to compete against men as equals and nor do they threaten the higher power of men meaning they accept to be an inferior role. It's also mention that Balinese women don't suffer from the disadvantages of their lack of participation...
Words: 1418 - Pages: 6
...Kennesaw State University Cultures and Marriage April 1, 2013 Abstract This paper discusses the difference cultures between two different cultures but the same religion. It shows how cultures can influence a marriage and how traditions can play a big role in a marriage. We also identify the coping strategies brides employ in managing the cross-cultural ambivalence that emerges as they reconcile two or more sets of cultural norms and traditions. In this life, we grow up with certain cultures that might be innate while others have been passed on to us from generations to generations. Every culture has their own traditions; one of the most popular traditions is that of marriage. It’s every families dream to celebrate matrimony. Weddings bring the whole extended family together as they celebrate a new union and also pass on different traditions. I was very privileged to interview two people of two completely different backgrounds. One of which is Nigerian from the Yoruba tradition and the other is Sri Lankan. I had several methods to bottom down what marriage really means to each people in these different cultures and how sacred it is. What do they cherish and how it influences their growth as a union and individuality. Ways to keep their marriage alive and how their various cultures co-exist in the same union especially if they are from different cultures entirely. “A new study indicates participation in 9-12 hours of marriage and relationship education produces significant...
Words: 918 - Pages: 4
...is, the most inhabited country in the world, China becoming a communist country affected millions of people almost instantly. Many of the traditional traditions and practices of the Chinese people were left behind as Mao’s “Cultural Revolution” was instituted across the country in 1966. During the Cultural Revolution of China, the country and its citizens experienced strict authority control with the military and the state functioning together to govern the people. The switch from traditional China to this Cultural Revolution was swift and hasty, causing much death and trouble for the Chinese people. Because of these facts, there are many people who judged the New China governed under the socialist ideas of Mao. One of these critics is the Chinese-American novelist, Ha Jin, who denounces the Cultural Revolution of China in his novel entitled Waiting. In his novel, Ha Jin addresses and brings to light the affects of Mao’s rule on the Chinese people and the country as a whole. The novel starts in 1966 and takes place during the Cultural Revolution. “Cultural conflict is the center of this novel, where two worlds collide in the story of a man seeking a divorce from his wife by an arranged marriage: the ancient feudal culture of China and the world of the Cultural Revolution led by Chairman Mao” (Moore, 124). Through the locations, settings, and characters, Ha Jin illustrates the differences between the Old China and the New China for his American audience; there are many places and...
Words: 2189 - Pages: 9
...ANTH 1200 – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 10-29-12 Dr. Williams, Instructor 1 Study Questions for Quiz# 3 (Ferraro’s Chapters 9, 10 and 11) 1. Are there any universals about gender roles across all societies? Use examples from your readings to support your position. 2. Male dominance a cultural universal? Use examples from your reading to support your position. 3. How important are economic factors in the definition of gender in the United States? 4. What are “Genderlects”? Answer: Linguistic differences in the ways in which men and women speak within their culture 5. What is postpartum sexual taboo? Answer: the rule that a husband and wife must abstain from any sexual activity for a period of time after the birth of a child 6. What is gender stratification? Answer: The hierarchical ranking of members of a society according to gender 7. If women are not allowed to hold important positions in religious activities, does that indicate stratification? 8. Does the prohibition of women from the same economic activities as men always indicate stratification? 9. What are three social benefits of marriage? 10. Describe and discuss the differences between American style marriage and marriage among any cultural group in Sub-Saharan Africa. 11. In which state of the United States is polygyny most widely practiced? Answer: Utah 12. What is a critical factor influencing the incidence of polygyny? Answer: The Old Testament of the Bible ...
Words: 754 - Pages: 4
...African Asians; and Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. Some interviews were also undertaken with white people in order to be able to make comparisons, where appropriate. Pakistani and Bangladeshi respondents preferred multi-generational households. Most of those interviewed felt that married women should not take up paid employment outside the home. African-Caribbeans were likely to have a more individualistic outlook - a majority of interviewees from this group believed that independence and physical and emotional ‘space’ were necessary for individual maturity. While arranged marriages were expected to prevail as a custom among Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, it was envisaged that in future those getting married will have some say in the choice of spouse. African-Asians and Indians practised a ‘negotiated’ form of arranged marriage, in which parents and the young people both have a say. A positive attitude to marriage and to the perceived benefits for children of being raised in this family structure was common to all Asian groups. However, African-Asians and Indians were much more positive than the other Asian groups about women having paid employment outside the home, and people having relationships outside their own ethnic group. The majority of African-Caribbean and white interviewees also held positive views on these issues. Most of the African-Caribbeans, whether married or not, valued the institution of...
Words: 2795 - Pages: 12
...life, we expect a marriage life to be happily ever after like the children’s stories, Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, but it isn’t always the case. In reality, some marriage life does last forever but some doesn’t. As for mine, it only lasted for a couple years till I finally draw the line and said, “No more of this miserable life.” As time goes on, I have been living in a more stable and happy life compared to the married life I have before. How and why did I do it? Basically, I did it by re-socializing to adapt and cope to the married life I have now. What do I mean by re-socializing? It means that I must learn from my past experiences and make a dramatic change in the area concerning my behaviors, attitudes, expectations, and values to improve my new life. Before I get into my behavior change, I want to give a brief discussion on the topic why people get divorced. There are many reasons why people get divorced, but I will list a few of the important ones. First reason has to do with the break-down in communication and disclosure. This occurs with when both party starts to limit the communication between them. When one stopped talking to the other, it showed a lost of interest to be with the other one. If this goes on, both parties will eventually have negative thoughts such as, he or she is cheating, he or she don’t love me no more, or he or she is up to something no good. These kinds of negative thoughts aren’t good in a marriage life. Another reason...
Words: 2467 - Pages: 10
...60 years ago. Twenty-first century culture has opened the door for many new views including the redefining of the typical structure of a family; in today’s world the model family is no longer just between a male and a female but also includes homosexual couples (Male/Male or Female/Female). Before complying with the definition of how the traditional family should be, we must be able to first define what a marriage truly is. Marriage as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “the intimate or close union of two individuals”, though the definition seems stable enough it isn’t the only definition of marriage and the idea of marriage itself is actually quite wide spread as we see in Evan Wolfson’s “What is Marriage?” Wolfson mentions in his article that marriage is sometimes for love but not always, it is the union of two people and the government received on a flimsy piece of paper and is also sometimes done in the vicinities of a courthouse or a religious building (Wolfson). In relation to Wolfson’s long rant about what marriage is, he brings up a point about gay marriage and how today culture is...
Words: 1147 - Pages: 5
