Perceptions of arranged marriages by young Pakistani Muslim women living in a western society.

Exploration of attitudes towards arranged marriages were examined from the perspective of second-generation Pakistani Muslim women living in a western society. Symbolic Interactionism and Interpretive Interactionism were the theoretical and methodological considerations respectively. Twenty single females, between the ages of 16 to 30 years, living in Canada or the U.S. were interviewed utilizing an unstructured schedule interview. In addition to the interviews, WebGrid analyses of all females were conducted. The main research question addressed the role of western values in influencing the type of mate-selection one adheres to. Other questions centered around the Pakistani women\u27s definition of the situation with regards to arranged marriages. Cultural identity, communication patterns, inter-generational conflicts, double standard, family honor, dating, and interaction with males are also examined. The results indicated that even though Pakistani parents, especially fathers, are perceived to be resistant to cultural change, western values, through continuous interaction, are playing a determining role in the process of mate-selection for second generation Pakistani Muslim females. Most Pakistani women are adapting and modifying attitudes which reflect the ideas of western ideology of greater self-expression and personal gratification. Family honor is probably the only factor which remained in the realms of eastern ideology.Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1999 .Z35. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 39-02, page: 0415. Adviser: Muhammad Shuraydi. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1999