What would you do if your parents forced you to marry someone you have never met before? Believe it or not, in the past this was common for many young men and women. People as young as fourteen were being arranged to marry someone they had never spoken to. This practice, known as arranged marriage, developed centuries ago in many foreign countries, including South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia and in parts of East Asia. Back then, planning a wedding for two people wasn't as foreign as it is today. Many people participated in this practice and it was considered common. However, times have changed. Although arranged marriages were more common in the past, they are still found around the world today. Since the fourth century, arranged marriages have been a part of Indian culture. Many believe that it was practiced to strengthen the social, economic, religious and geographical principles of India. Arranged marriages serve six functions in the Indian community: (1) to help maintain the social satisfaction system in society; (2) gives parents control over family members; (3) improves the chances of preserving and perpetuating the ancestral lineage; (4) provides an opportunity to strengthen the kinship group; (5) allows for the consolidation and expansion of family assets; (6) allows the elders to preserve the principle of endogamy, i.e. marriage within certain limits (“In Love with India…”). Centuries ago, arranged marriages were more common among the upper class. Over time, wedding planning also shifted to the middle and lower classes. Today, the Indian government says that 95% of marriages in India are arranged (Lai). An arranged marriage is essentially the opposite of a love marriage...... middle of paper ...... parents chose, it's rare for parents to choose a new one. But most requests are refused (“Traditional arranged marriages”). Besides parental involvement, another disadvantage is that the child has no say in who his or her future husband or wife is. Even if a child fell in love with someone else growing up, he or she probably won't marry them. Nowadays, parents search for potential suitors on online dating sites. Many men's mothers call professional matchmakers to ask for a slim, beautiful and educated girl (Lai). Parents have very strict demands on suitors. Many years ago, planning a wedding for two people was more common. In many countries this practice could be considered normal. However, over time the number of arranged marriages declined and love marriages became dominant..