INSIGHTS INTO YOUNG MINDS: UNVEILING THE SPECTRA OF MARRIAGE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Marriage, a complex social institution, undergoes dynamic shifts influenced by societal, cultural, emotional, and economic factors across different times and regions. The process of mate selection involves a multifaceted interplay of factors, including physical attributes, socio-economic status, and societal norms. The study delved into the marriage perspectives in Bangladesh, examining the attitudes of unmarried young individuals toward marriage and mate selection. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study collected information from a sample of 319 unmarried young individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Brahman aria and Camilla districts of Chattogram division in Bangladesh. The study analyzed varied viewpoints on marriage, highlighting it as a bond where individuals live together or as a social, religious, or familial unit. Preferences for love and arranged marriages entailed considerations like mutual understanding, family satisfaction, societal acceptance, and personal desires. Diverse viewpoints emerged regarding traits prioritized when choosing partners. While gentleness, education and beauty were highly valued, socio-economic factors such as economic stability, job status, and religiousness also held significance. Furthermore, participants emphasized differing characteristics when selecting grooms versus brides, demonstrating a distinct set of preferences for each gender. Understanding these perspectives offered valuable insights for policymakers, suggesting initiatives like educational programs on healthy relationships, cultural sensitivity training for matchmakers and advocating for open communication to ensure satisfactory decision-making in marriage. These insights would be helpful to contribute to a deeper comprehension of evolving marital paradigms in Bangladesh, laying the groundwork for informed social policies and a better understanding of the future societal landscape.