EXCHANGE MARRIAGES

Abstract

The exchange marriages have been studied by researchers globally. As far as Pakistan country is concerned that the exchange marriages are still prevalent, and people exercise this practice at their areas. And more importantly this practice has been observed mostly in rural areas in comparison urban areas. This research area has been attempted in district Khairpur Mirs where the exchange marriages are widely practiced. This marriage is considered the forced and without the consent of male or female who become part of exchange marriages. There are many important ingredients that promote exchange marriages including socio cultural, family (parents’ decisions) and caste factor as well. The aim of this study is to dig out main causes and significant reasons, to know deeply the terms and conditions in two families while exchange marriages, and more importantly to know the function of exchange marriages. The research used the qualitative research design where in-depth interviews were conducted from 13 respondents including male and female and literate and illiterate. The research applied two theories successfully; one is “Social Exchange Theory” and second is “Alliance Theory”. These school of thoughts are completely resembling to this research study. Resultantly, positive, and negative response from respondents have been given. But it was observed and analyzed thoroughly that majority of people were satisfied and want to promote this exchange marriages culture, but the minor ratio of people was not satisfied and considered it as forced and without consent marriage.