What is the Difference Between Arranged and Forced Marriages?

The main difference between arranged and forced marriages lies in the level of consent and choice that the individuals involved have.

Arranged Marriage:

• Occurs in many cultures, often involving an introduction by a family member.
• Both parties have a choice at all times, and the marriage only goes ahead with their full consent.
• Families may consider factors such as family reputation, wealth, career prospects, appearance, values, religion, and medical history when selecting suggested partners.
• Modern arranged marriages are more flexible, with parents and other family members not as involved as they once were in the process.

Forced Marriage:

• One or both parties do not give full and free consent to the situation.
• Pressure or duress is used, and it is considered a breach of human rights and a criminal offense in the UK.
• Can result in false imprisonment, kidnapping, threats of violence, blackmail, rape, assault, domestic violence, 'honor' based abuse, and even murder.
• Can be a form of human trafficking and often leads to a lifetime of domestic servitude.

It is important not to conflate the two terms, as arranged marriages involve consenting spouses, whereas forced marriages do not.

Comparative Table: Arranged vs Forced Marriages

Here is a table that highlights the differences between arranged and forced marriages:

In an arranged marriage, the families of both prospective spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage, but the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement still remains with the couple. Consent is essential for any marriage to take place. On the other hand, in a forced marriage, one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage and are coerced into it, often due to physical, psychological, financial, sexual, or emotional pressure.