Analysis of forced and arranged marriages in South Asian diaspora families in the United Kingdom

Author: Dr. Nazakat Hussain

Abstract

This article delves into marriage practices of South Asian community in the UK to analyse challenges being faced by the youth. Thereby, it answers the question: How do arranged marriage preferences, gender roles, and changing attitudes toward love and sexuality shape relationships in the South Asian diaspora community in the UK? The methodology of this paper is inspired by qualitative research. Unstructured open-ended online interviews were used as data collection technique from the respondents of South Asian origin in the UK. The findings suggest that South Asians are still rooted in their patriarchal structure followed back home in India and Pakistan. They are evolving, yet, the process of assimilation is slow. The challenge to parents from children is defiance of their value system, as most of the youths prefer love or semi-arranged marriages. Other challenges include sexuality, especially queerness. This research concludes that South Asians assimilation in British culture is slow even if they are evolving and facing realities of free love and sexuality

Keywords

British South Asians, Arranged Marriage, Forced Marriage, Domestic Violence, Sexuality, Intersectional Feminism

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DOI: 10.52279/jlss.06.04.427439 | 427-439  |  PDF