Cross-Cultural Marriages

Essay # 58176

Ethnic Studies > Asia
Ethnic Studies > European
Ethnic Studies > Middle East

An examination of the phenomenon of cross-cultural marriages and factors influencing their success or failure.

2,380 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2005

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that the success of mixed marriages depends on the compatibility of the members in the couples, the type of mixed marriage, and the society in which the mixed marriage occurs, rather than on any certain percentages for failure or success. Includes a two-page outline.

From the Paper:

"The marriage institutions has survived thousands, maybe more, years without any significant changes. Nowadays, however, the marriage relationship is experiencing dramatic changes. Marriage is one of the oldest and most sacred relationships in the world. Until a few decades ago, its definition was simple and its outcome was expected. This is no longer so since over the past decades a revolution has occurred in the meaning and the outcome of marriage. Marriages need not be between similar background people any more and, in some cases, does not even need to be between males and females. Couples no longer stay together because they should or because it is for the sake of the children, but only if they want to and are happy. Quite simply, globalization and cultural developments have changed the concept of marriage. This is also obvious in traditional societies such as Egypt. Just a few decades ago, acceptable marriages traditionally occurred within the family or, within the circle of family friends or acquaintances. Mixed marriages were rare, and almost unheard of. Today, and as the world transforms into a global village, mixed marriages are becoming more common. A mixed marriage, defined in "What About Cross Cultural Marriages," is a marriage between people from different cultures; this includes cross-cultural, cross-racial and cross-religious marriages."