The True Meaning of Marriage Across Different Cultures

Marriage is a concept that varies greatly across different cultures and societies. In American society, romantic love is often viewed as the primary reason for people to marry. However, in contrast to this, in some societies, romantic love is seen as a form of obsession or even madness.

On the other hand, in many cultures around the world, arranged marriages are still the norm. These marriages are often based on factors such as economic arrangements or the cementing of connections between families. For example, in agricultural societies, marriage may be seen as a means to ensure the continuation of the family farm through the labor of the wife and children.

Indeed, in some societies, marriage is primarily about creating trust, loyalty, and mutual obligations between privileged and powerful families. This can be seen in the history of European royal or aristocratic lineages where marriages were arranged to strengthen alliances and connections between noble families.

Therefore, the phrase "on the other hand" serves as a clear signal of the contrast between the ideals about marriage in different societies. While romantic love may be the driving force behind marriages in some cultures, in others, practical considerations and social ties play a more significant role in the institution of marriage.