Marriage in Pakistan, China and South Africa

1083 Words3 Pages

Pakistan is a very distinct country with a heterogeneous culture and a hierarchical society. The Islamic religion is practiced by the majority of Pakistanis and has significantly shaped their values and traditions. Under semi-arranged marriages, the couple makes the final decisions. The Pakistanis who decide to undergo these types of marriages live in the urban areas of the country and are usually well educated and liberal. A complete arranged marriage is made with no compromises by the potential bride or groom. The Pakistanis that undergo these kinds of marriages live in the rural areas, which are the least educated people.

Like other Muslim countries, Pakistan allows polygamy in a marriage. Although, it is permitted, Pakistan has “strict” rules about this type of marriage, unlike other Islamic countries. A man must meet the requirements that the committee asks for in order to be approved for a polygamous marriage. If a male were to want divorce, he could do so by just repeating three times “I divorce you”. He gives a written notice to the union council and a written notification would be given to his wife(s). For Pakistani women on the other hand, she can divorce her husband if she forgoes her financial rights. Maintaining a good reputation in a lifelong demand for Pakistani females. Behaviors like divorcing or being raped washes their respect away and cannot be retained. In the society, women that are over 25 years old, that are not married or are divorced are seen with disapproval.

The basic unit of the Islamic society is the family. The father is responsible for the care of his family, specifically, in financial matters. The extended family is the central social structure, they usually stay together for life and are...

... middle of paper ...

...b. 22 Nov. 2013.

"Marriage and the Family in China." Marriage and the Family in China. N.p., 1 Mar. 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.

"Pakistan." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.

"Pakistan - Language, Religion, Culture, Customs and Etiquette." The Translation Agency for a Complete Professional Translation Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.

"Society and Norms: Family and Family Life - Overview." Society and Norms: Family and Family Life Overview. The University of West Florida, 2010. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.

"Traditional Chinese Marriage." Traditional Chinese Marriage, Traditional Chinese Arranged Marriage, China Tour Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.

"World Family Map 2013." World Family Map 2013. Annie E. Casey Foundation, n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.

More about Marriage in Pakistan, China and South Africa

Open Document