I am wondering if some arranged marriages last because the notion of divorce is much more of a stigma in their countries than in the West?
Somsuj, did you grow up expecting an arranged marriage? Before you married your lovely wife was it your wish to choose your own wife? Did you argue with your parents over this topic? You can decline answering any of the above questions if you find them too personal!
I think that divorce is higher today (in the West) because women can take care of themselves. In the past..let's say the 1950's, the majority of women did not drive, work or in some cases, handle the family money. Women were 'stuck' and couldn't strike out on their own very easily. Today if women aren't happy, the choice to leave is much easier because of monetary independence.
Another thought...the idea of "happiness" is very important to Americans. In other words, life is short, be happy. Unfortunately, not all people want to work at being 'happy' in their marriages. They think it is supposed to magically happen. Could be the results of watching too many Hollywood movies and expecting the same in real life. And fairy tales from childhood saying, "and they lived happily ever after" don't help much either!
