Insights into young minds: Unveiling the spectra of marriage perspectives

 

Md. Arif Uddin Khan ¹, Farjana Akter ² , Jannatul Ferdouse ³ , Tania Jannatul Kubra ⁴

 

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram-4331, Bangladesh

² Lecturer, Sociology, Southeast University, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh

³ Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Sustainable Development, Premier University, Chattogram-4317, Bangladesh

⁴ Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram-4331, Bangladesh

 

1. INTRODUCTION

Marriage, a social institution often impelled with cultural, economic, and emotional significance, has undergone transformative changes over time and space. Traditionally understood as a formal union between two individuals, often sanctified through religious or social rituals, marriage serves multiple functions, from establishing family units to creating social and economic alliances Ahmed (1986), Anukriti & Dasgupta (2017). However, the cornerstone of any marriage is the process of mate selection, an intricate interplay of various factors ranging from physical attributes to socio-economic status Botwin et al. (1997), Eckland  (1968), Furnham (2009).

 

1.1.    Mate Selection

The concept of mate selection is a multifaceted phenomenon that varies widely across cultures and social classes. It involves not just the personal preferences of the individuals getting married but also a complex set of societal norms, traditions, and even economic considerations Sabur (2014), Yasmin (2013). In some societies, the selection process is guided by parental choices or community elders, often driven by socio-economic compatibility and family reputation Amin (2008), Szarota et al. (2021). In contrast, other communities place a high premium on personal compatibility, love, and emotional connection Rashid (2019), Ryan (2004). Understanding the subtle of mate selection is crucial as it has a significant impact on the quality of marital life and, by extension, the family unit Botwin et al. (1997). A mismatch in expectations or preferences can lead to marital dissatisfaction and even contribute to broader societal issues Samad (2015). The importance of mate selection extends beyond individual satisfaction, potentially influencing various aspects of social life, including economic stability, social harmony, and even public health Farooq & Arshad (2017), Nongkynrih (2016).

 

1.2. Changing Pattern of Mate Selection Process

Ahmed (1986) found a substantial shift in family formation and mate selection processes in Bangladesh that increasingly reflects Western trends. This change is driven by modernization and poverty, resonating with global shifts as evidenced by historical data from China Ryan (2004). Samad (2015) explored the socio-economic and technological factors that have led to family pattern changes in Bangladesh, illuminating the complexities of these dynamics. By examining the socio-economic landscape, Samad (2015) and Vaillant & Wolff (2011) scrutinized how economic shifts and societal changes influenced family patterns in the contemporary context. The author explored the interconnectedness between socio-economic and technological factors in the transformation of familial dynamics in Bangladesh.

The youth in urban Bangladesh show a preference for traditional and hybrid marriage setups but rate Western-style love marriages more favorably Szarota et al. (2021).  Rashid (2019) and Sağlam & Bulut (2022), offered insights into how views on marriage, including the criteria for mate selection, evolved over time, and differed across cultures. Rashid (2019) has specifically focused on Bangladeshi migrant parents in Sydney, showing that their views are not monolithic and can be context dependent. Cotton et al. (2006) and Hunt et al. (2009) focused on evolutionary aspects of mate selection, providing a broader context that is not specific to our target demographic. Additionally, Andersson & Simmons (2006) traced the evolution of Darwin's theory of sexual selection, shedding light on the historical progression of the subject matter but not sighting on the contemporary dynamics among Bangladesh's unmarried population.

 

1.3. Preference Criteria for Mate Selection

Criteria for mate selection varies between genders in Bangladesh, with men emphasizing physical attributes and women leaning towards socially desirable traits Botwin et al. (1997), Furnham (2009), Islam (2021), Yasmin (2013). This gender-based divergence is a global phenomenon, as seen in Nongkynrih (2016), exploration of North-East Indian tribal communities. Farooq & Arshad (2017) focused on Pakistani university students, and the broader implications outlined in studies of Haufe (2007) and Small (1992), which critique evolutionary psychology and traditional notions of female sexuality, respectively. Socio-economic factors are often intertwined with marital choices. The economic aspects, for example, dowry, etc., influence marital practice in Bangladesh Amin (2008), Amin & Das (2014), Sabur (2014). Qian et al. (2012) and Vera et al. (1990) further contributed to the discourse by expanding the discussion to ethnic minorities in the U.S. and age preferences in historical U.S. marriages, respectively. This broadening of perspective highlighted the global relevance of understanding the complex connections between socio-economic factors and familial dynamics. Gehar (1997) introduced the psychological dimension, showing that individuals often choose partners with personalities similar to their opposite-sex parents. The subject of personality in mate selection was also discussed in Botwin et al. (1997) and Sassler (2010) confirming the importance of specific traits in both genders' preferences.

Following the comprehensive literature review, it becomes apparent that while significant strides have been made in understanding marriage and mate selection across various socio-cultural settings, there remains a conspicuous research gap in the context of Bangladesh, especially focusing on unmarried young individuals. Existing studies have delved into the changing trends of marriage and family formation in Bangladesh Ahmed (1986), Samad (2015), mate selection criteria among men and women Furnham (2009), Islam (2021) , Yasmin (2013) and even the influence of socio-economic conditions on marriage practices Amin (2008), Amin & Das (2014). However, there is a gap in the existing literature to examine how socio-economic factors impact mate selection and attitudes toward marriage and family among the unmarried young population in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study aimed to address this gap and to offer a subtle understanding of this specific demographic's marital attitudes and choices. Additionally, this study investigated the influences of socio-economic factors on the mate selection process and to examine the changing patterns of mate selection in the context of Bangladesh.

 

2. Method

2.1.    Participants

The targeted population of the present study was the unmarried young population of Bangladesh. A sample of 319 unmarried young individuals aged between 18 and 35 years old (comprising 65.5% male and 34.5% female participants, with a mean age of 21.42 years) was selected from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Brahmanbaria, and Comilla administrative districts using purposive sampling technique. Before conducting the face-to-face interview, study objectives, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality of the data, etc., were communicated. By conducting the interview, their informed consent was taken.

 

2.2. Measures

In the present study, a semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather necessary information from the study participants. This questionnaire encompassed personal information inquiries, queries regarding qualities prioritized by unmarried young individuals and inquiries about attitudes toward marriage and family.

 

 

·        Personal information questions

This section of the questionnaire included questions about age, gender, education, religion, occupation, number of family members, family income, family type, and living area (the name of the union where the participants live).

·        Questions about qualities prioritized by unmarried young individuals

This section of the questionnaire included questions about whether the participants were in any affair, what qualities of their loved ones they like most, whether they would marry their loved ones, and if they would not marry their loved ones, then what qualities they would prioritize while choosing their life partners.

·        Questions about attitudes toward marriage

This section of the questionnaire included questions about what type of marriage (whether affair or arranged) the participants prefer most, why they prefer affair or arranged marriage, why they do not prefer affair or arranged marriage, their understanding of the concept of marriage, what traits a good husband or wife should have, the traits of a bad husband or wife, where girls should live after marriage, where boys should live after marriage (in-laws house, father’s house, or a separate place), how discussions about arranged or familial marriage are conducted in our society, what things are typically claimed by the brides' or grooms' families from the grooms' or brides' families during marriage, how these claims are fulfilled, and if any problems occur if the claims are not fulfilled.

 

2.2.1.  Procedure

Pilot tests were conducted with a targeted population of 10 individuals before collecting the final data. Based on the pilot tests, the language of the questions in the semi-structured questionnaire was refined to enhance participants' understanding. The main interviews were conducted with participants from four districts. Prior to commencing the interviews, consent was obtained from the participants through a written consent form. Both open-ended and closed-ended questions were utilized to collect information from the participants. Regarding closed-ended questions, initially questions were posed without disclosing the options provided in the questionnaire to gauge participants' genuine thoughts on the marriage and mate selection process. After receiving their initial responses, the written options were revealed, and participants' opinions were marked. This approach facilitated the capture of variations in responses and genuine information from the participants. For open-ended questions, researchers probed participants to elicit responses aligned with the study objectives.

 

2.3. Statistical Analysis

The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for data management and data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as, frequencies, percentages, mean, range, and standard deviation were used to analyze the marriage perspectives and mate selection process among the unmarried young individuals of Bangladesh.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Results

3.1.    Participants’ Demographic Information

Table 1

Table 1 Distribution of Demographic Information of the Participants’
Variable	Types/Group	Frequency (Percentage)/ Mean (SD), [Range]
Age		21.42 (3.54)
Sex	Male	209 (65.5%)
	Female	110 (34.5%)
Education	Illiterate	7 (2.2%)
	Primary	45 (14%)
	Secondary	154 (48.2%)
	Higher Secondary	76 (23.8%)
	Honors and above	37 (11.6%)
Religion	Islam	246 (77.1%)
	Hindu	23 (7.2%)
	Buddhists	50 (15.7%)
Occupation	Service holder	25 (7.8%)
	Wage labour	28 (8.8%)
	Driver (truck, Bus, Microbus, Private car)	11 (3.4%)
	Technician	19 (6%)
	Business	54 (16.9%)
	Student	127 (39.8%)
	Unemployed	34 (10.7%)
	Others	21 (6.7%)
Family Type	Single	233 (73%)
	Joint	86 (27%)
Family Member		[2-18]
Family Income		293.25 (1160)

 

Table 1 presents the demographic information of the participants. The mean age of the participants was 21.42 years (SD = 3.54 years). Among the participants, 65.5% were male and 34.5% were female. In terms of educational attainment, 2.2% of participants were illiterate, 14% had primary level education, 48.2% had secondary level education, 23.8% had higher secondary level education and 11.6% had honors level or higher education. Regarding religious affiliation, 77.1% were Muslim, 7.2% were Hindu and 15.7% were Buddhist. Among them, 39.8% were students, 16.9% were businessmen, 10.7% were unemployed, 8.8% were wage laborers, 7.8% were service holders, 6% were technicians, 3.4% were drivers and 6.7% had other occupations. Among the participants, 73% were from single families and 27% from joint families, with family sizes ranging from 2 to 18 members. The mean household income was 293.25 USD (SD = 1160 USD).

 

3.2. Final Analysis

Table 2

Table 2 Diverse Perspectives on the Concept of Marriage
SL	Opinion	f (%)
1	Religious Bond	37(11.6%)
2	Social Bond	40 (12.5%)
3	Family of two person, their children & they will live together	41 (12.9%)
4	A bond where two people live together	97 (30.4%)
5	A permission of two families, where they permitted that a boy and a girl will live together	35 (11%)
6	Marriage means physical relation and production reproduction	46 (14.4%)
7	Reduce loneliness	15(4.7%)
8	Socially recognized / social recognition	26 (8.2%)
9	Living in socially accepted atmosphere	18 (5.6%)

 

The results from Table 2 reveal diverse perspectives on the concept of marriage among participants. The majority (30.4%) see it as a bond where two people live together, while 14.4% emphasize physical relations and production-reproduction. 12.9% view marriage as a family unit with children, 12.5% as a social bond, and 11.6% as a religious bond. Other viewpoints include marriage as the permission of two families (11%), social recognition (8.2%), recognition of living in a socially accepted atmosphere (5.6%), and an institution for reducing loneliness (4.7%).

Table 3

Table 3 Reasons Behind Preferences for Both Love Marriage and Arranged Marriage
SL	Reasons for preferring love marriage	f (%)	Reasons for preferring arranged marriage	f (%)
1	Good mutual understanding	41 (12.9%)	Satisfaction of family	149 (46.7%)
2	Both can know each other’s	36 (11.3%)	For showing respect on everybody’s opinion	42 (13.2%)
3	Because we love so we have to marry	10 (3.1%)	For everybody’s wellbeing	36 (11.3%)
4	Arranged marriage may not be my wish that I want	11 (3.4%)	Love marriage brings sorrow	5 (1.6%)
5	Priority of one’s opinion	9 (2.8%)	Society takes it positively	37 (11.6%)
6	Can know about behavior	15 (4.7%)	Society welcomes this because it is arranged marriage	15 (4.7%)
7			For religion	5 (1.6%)

 

Table 3 illustrates the reasons behind preferences for both love marriage and arranged marriage. In regard to the reasons favoring love marriage, 12.9% of respondents preferred it, believing that it facilitates good mutual understanding between both partners, 11.3% favored love marriage because they perceived it as an avenue for both partners to get to know each other, 4.7% indicated a preference for love marriage due to concerns that arranged marriage might not align with their personal desires. Furthermore, 3.1% expressed a preference for love marriage because they believed that loving each other meant they had to marry, while 2.8% cited the opportunity it offers to prioritize partners' opinions as a reason for favoring love marriage.

Regarding the reasons for preferring arranged marriage, 46.7% of the participants favored it with consideration for their family's satisfaction, 13.2% preferred arranged marriage as a means of showing respect for everyone's opinions, 11.6% favored it believing that society views it positively, 11.3% chose it taking into account the well-being of everyone involved, 4.7% preferred it thinking that society welcomes this form of union or marriage. Furthermore, 1.6% opted for arranged marriage based on religious considerations, while an equal percentage (1.6%) preferred arranged marriage, reasoning that love marriage leads to sorrow.

Table 4

Table 4 Reasons for Disliking Both Arranged Marriage and Love Marriage
SL	Reasons for disliking arranged marriage	f (%)	Reasons for disliking love marriage	f (%)
1	It is tough to adjust with an unknown person	26 (8.2%)	Unhappy marital life	62 (19.4%)
2	We can't marry them whom we want	10 (3.1%)	Family support is absent	121 (37.9%)
3	It doesn’t prioritize the choices of brides and grooms	7 (2.2%)	Parents curse their children	27 (8.5%)
4	Family imposes their wish	13 (4.1%)	Love is not good	34 (10.7)
5	There is no priority of bride and groom's wish	15 (4.7%)	Religious restriction	20 (6.3%)
6	Family's selection may not be good	18 (5.6%)	Shame on the family	20 (6.3%)

 

Table 4 demonstrates the reasons for disliking both arranged marriage and love marriage. Regarding reasons against arranged marriage, 8.2% disliked it due to the perceived difficulty in adjusting with an unknown person, 5.6% expressed dislike because they believed family selection might not be good, 4.7% disliked it because it doesn’t prioritize the wishes of the bride and groom, 4.1% disliked it due to feeling that families impose their wishes, 3.1% disliked due to the inability to marry whom they desire and 2.2% disliked due to the lack of prioritizing the choices of the bride and groom.

As for reasons against love marriage, 37.9% disliked it due to the absence of family support, 19.4% feared partners' potential unhappiness in marital life, 10.7% expressed dislike thinking love is not good, 8.5% feared parental curses, 6.3% cited religious restrictions and 6.3% disliked it due to the potential shame it might bring upon the family.

Table 5

Table 5 Traits on Young Individuals Prioritize when Selecting their Partners
SL	Traits	f (%)	SL	Traits	f (%)
1	Beautiful	189 (59.2%)	8	Family tradition	101 (31.7%)
2	Gentle	224 (70.2%)	9	Height	85 (26.6%)
3	Of same economic status	50 (15.7%)	10	Same social status of the family	77 (24.1%)
4	For dowry	6 (1.9%)	11	Religious	135 (42.3%)
5	Educated	204 (63.9%)	12	Rich	70 (21.9%)
6	Good job	79 (24.8%)	13	Ability to earn money	48 (15%)
7	Good student	33 (10.3%)	14	Expatriate worker	54 (16.9%)

 

Table 5 illustrates the traits that young individuals prioritize when selecting their partners. The data indicates that 70.2% prioritized 'gentleness', 63.9% prioritized 'education' and 59.2% prioritized 'beauty'. Additionally, 42.3% considered 'religiousness', 31.7% valued 'family tradition' and 26.6% considered 'height' as essential traits in selecting partners. Furthermore, 24.8% prioritized 'having a good job', 24.1% looked for 'same social status' and 21.9% mentioned 'rich economic condition' as vital factors. Moreover, 16.9% considered 'being an expatriate worker', 15.7% emphasized 'having a good job', 15% valued 'ability to earn money' and 10.3% considered 'being a good student' when choosing partners. Again, 1.9% mentioned 'willingness to give dowry' as a trait in partner selection.

Table 6

Table 6 Characteristics Prioritized by Young Individuals when Choosing Grooms and Brides
SL	Grooms’ characteristics	f (%)	Brides’ characteristics	f (%)
1	Businessman	38 (11.9%)	Beautiful	203 (63.6%)
2	Immigrant	34 (10.7%)	Educated	149 (46.7%)
3	Service Holder	113 (35.4%)	Religious	101 (31.7%)
4	Gentle/Polite	101 (31.7%)	Good Character	88 (27.6%)
5	Rich	129 (40.4%)	Social	21 (6.6%)
6	Tall	10 (3.1%)	Good economic condition	47 (14.7%)
7	Active	18 (5.6%)	Same economic status	8 (2.5%)
8	Free from all kind of addiction	5 (1.6%)	Active	17 (5.3%)
9	Religious	13 (4.1%)	Gentle/Polite	87 (27.3%)
10	Family status	38 (11.9%)	Good behavior	48 (15%)
11	Beauty	50 (15.7%)
12	Educated	121 (37.9%)

                         

Table 6 outlines the characteristics prioritized by participants when choosing grooms and brides. Regarding grooms' characteristics, 40.4% prioritized a 'rich economic condition', 37.9% emphasized 'education', and 35.4% preferred a 'service holder'. Additionally, 31.7% sought 'gentleness,' 15.7% considered 'beauty', and 11.9% prioritized a 'businessman'. Furthermore, 11.9% mentioned 'family status', 10.7% preferred an 'immigrant', 5.6% looked for someone 'active', while 4.1% sought someone 'religious', 3.1% prioritized 'tallness' and 1.6% desired someone 'free from all kinds of addiction'. Regarding brides' characteristics, 63.6% prioritized 'beauty', 46.7% valued 'education' and 31.7% sought someone 'religious'. Additionally, 27.6% prioritized 'good character', while 27.3% sought someone 'gentle'. Moreover, 15% looked for 'good behaviour', 14.7% prioritized 'good economic condition' and 6.6% considered someone 'social', 5.3% looked for someone 'active', while 2.5% preferred someone from the 'same economic status'.

 

4. Discussion

The present study aimed to delve into unmarried young individuals' attitudes and perceptions regarding marriage in Bangladesh, alongside examining their prioritized ideal qualities in life partners. Additionally, it sought to scrutinize the impacts of socio-economic factors on mate selection and track evolving patterns of mate selection within Bangladesh. Participants of the present study displayed varying preferences for love versus arranged marriages, reflecting a complex connection between personal desires and societal expectations. Additionally, the traits prioritized in mate selection revealed a blend of traditional and contemporary values, with gender-based differences observed in partner preferences. These findings suggested a shifting landscape in marriage and mate selection processes among Bangladeshi youth.

The present study uncovered diverse viewpoints on the institution of marriage among the surveyed unmarried young individuals in Bangladesh. A significant proportion (30.4%) regarded marriage as a bond where two individuals live together, while others emphasized physical relations, family units with children, social or religious bonds, or permission from two families for the union. These diverse perspectives underscore the multifaceted nature of marriage, reflecting varied societal, cultural, and personal beliefs about its essence. The findings align with existing research Rashid (2019), Samad (2015), emphasizing the evolving paradigms surrounding marriage, especially among the youth, influenced by globalization and cultural hybridity Szarota et al. (2021).

The study revealed contrasting reasons for favoring love versus arranged marriages. Participants who favored love marriages cited mutual understanding, getting to know each other and prioritizing partners' opinions. On the other hand, those who preferred arranged marriages highlighted family satisfaction, respect for everyone's opinions, societal acceptance, and the well-being of everyone involved. The findings regarding the preference for arranged marriages align with the emphasis on familial satisfaction and societal expectations documented in earlier studies Amin & Das (2014), Sabur (2014). Study (i.e., Szarota et al. (2021)) offered differing perspectives, highlighting less emphasis on familial satisfaction and more on individual preferences in mate selection among Bangladeshi youth. However, the author did not examine the separate reasons for favouring love or arranged marriages by unmarried Bangladeshi youth.

Participants' reasons for disliking arranged marriages included concerns about adjusting to an unknown person, doubts about family selections and perceived impositions of family wishes. Conversely, those against love marriages highlighted the absence of family support, potential partner unhappiness, religious restrictions and concerns about familial shame. These sentiments reflect the complex interplay between individual desires and societal expectations in mate selection Islam (2021), Nongkynrih (2016). However, study (i.e., Uddin et al. (2017)) has presented contradictory opinions, suggesting fewer concerns about family support and more emphasis on religious restrictions in mate selection processes in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the present study revealed that, in the case of disliking love marriages, 37.9% were concerned about family support, while only 6.3% expressed concerns about religious restrictions. This suggests that the pattern of mate selection among unmarried youth in Bangladesh is changing over time.

The study illuminated the traits prioritized by unmarried young individuals when selecting partners. The traits prioritized by unmarried individuals exhibited a blend of traditional and contemporary values. Traits like gentleness, education, beauty, religiousness, and economic stability emerged as significant socio-economic factors. The significance of socio-economic factors and religiousness in mate selection resonated in previous that reflected the significance of socio-cultural and economic considerations in partner selection studies Amin & Das (2014), Gehar (1997), Islam (2021). Interestingly, the preferences varied between genders, with certain traits being more emphasized when choosing grooms versus brides. For grooms, economic status, education, and employment were more prominent. While for brides, beauty, education, and religiousness held more significance. These findings reflected gender-based differences in mate selection criteria observed in various cultural contexts Furnham (2009), Islam (2021). However, studies like that of Ahmed (2021) presented contrasting data, emphasizing more equitable preferences across genders regarding traits in mate selection among Bangladeshi youth. This disparity may stem from the fact that the study Ahmed (2021) did not reveal the separate traits prioritized by grooms and brides when choosing partners.

Contrary to the generalized notion of mate selection criteria, the present study highlighted the complexities in choosing partners among unmarried individuals in Bangladesh. While previous studies Botwin et al. (1997), Furnham (2009) emphasized specific traits, this research unveiled a more diversified set of priorities, combining traditional attributes with contemporary values, indicating evolving preferences among the younger generation. This also suggests that the pattern of marriage and mate selection processes among unmarried youth in Bangladesh is changing over time, becoming more complex and diversified compared to less complex and specific ones. Further a mixed-method study would be designed to track the changes of marriage perspectives over time.

 

4.1.    Recommendations

        The insights garnered from this study hold implications for policymakers and societal stakeholders to -

·        Provide training to individuals involved in matchmaking to be culturally sensitive and considerate of diverse viewpoints, ensuring compatibility and mutual understanding.

·        Implement educational programs that focus on building healthy relationships, emphasizing communication and mutual understanding, to address differing perspectives on marriage.

·        Promote open communication between families and individuals during the marriage decision-making process to ensure mutual satisfaction and reduce potential conflicts.

·        Establish support systems for individuals who choose less traditional marriage paths, providing guidance and resources to help them navigate potential challenges.

·        Develop awareness raising programs to address concerns related to arranged marriages, such as perceived difficulties in adjustment or lack of prioritization of the bride and groom's wishes.

·        Encourage open dialogue within community about the importance of educational and personal qualities rather than emphasizing traditional or superficial characteristics.

 

4.2. Limitations and future direction of the study

Despite the comprehensive nature of the study, certain limitations exist. First, the study focused solely on unmarried young individuals, which may restrict the generalizability of findings to the broader population. By narrowing the scope to these demographic, important insights from other age groups or marital statuses may be overlooked. Second, the reliance on self-reported data introduces the possibility of response biases. Participants may provide socially desirable responses, potentially skewing the accuracy of the collected information and affecting the validity of the study's conclusions. Third, the study was confined to specific regions of Bangladesh and utilized a quantitative approach. This limited geographic scope may not fully capture the diversity of mate selection practices across different cultural contexts within the country. Additionally, using the quantitative approach might overlook delicate qualitative aspects of marriage perspectives.

To address the limitations, future research could first encompass a more extensive geographical scope within Bangladesh, including rural and urban areas, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of marriage perspectives in Bangladesh. Second, incorporating qualitative approaches alongside quantitative methods would allow for a deeper exploration of individuals' experiences, perceptions and motivations related to marriage and mate selection. Qualitative data could capture richer narratives and provide contextual understanding that quantitative data alone may miss. Third, longitudinal studies are recommended to track changing marriage perspectives over time. By examining trends and patterns over an extended period, researchers can better understand how socio-economic, cultural, and individual factors influence marriage and mate selection processes and evolve over time in Bangladeshi society.

 

5.  Conclusion

The study provided valuable insights into the complex dynamics of mate selection and marriage perspectives among unmarried young individuals in Bangladesh. The findings contributed to the existing literature by unraveling diverse viewpoints of marriage, emphasizing the evolving nature of mate preferences among the unmarried young individuals of Bangladesh, where socio-economic factors like gentleness, education, beauty, religiousness, and economic stability hold significance. By addressing existing gaps in research and offering delicate insights into the socio-economic context, this study lays the groundwork for informed policy interventions and paves the way for further exploration into this evolving societal facet.

 

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

None. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

None.

 

 

 

 

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