ABSTRACT
The research which exists on arranged marriages has provided a greater understanding of the dynamics involved within the South Asian family. The phenomenon of the arranged marriage in India has received a great deal of attention. There are profound differences between arranged marriages and the western notions of 'free' marriage. Young South Asian women become visible as a stigmatised group when it is thought that they will experience an arranged marriage. The social and economic importance attached to marriage is based upon the structure of the South Asian family. The idea of parents emphasising the arranged marriage, was based upon the need for a separate South Asian identity. The whole notion of arranged marriages being part of South Asian identity was seen to be more important for women than for men. A total of 55 per cent of respondents said arranged marriages were important in South Asian communities.
