Differences in Voluntary and Non-Voluntary

Relationships

Voluntary Relationships Non-Voluntary Relationships

• Voluntary relationships tend to occur • Non voluntary relationships occur in
more in individualist societies collectivist societies (Eastern
(Western Cultures). Cultures).

• Individualist societies place • Collectivist societies see the

emphasis on the individual’s individuals as part of an
freedom, achievements and interdependent social group.
rights. Therefore relationships are Obligation to others for the good of
formed for individual happiness the group are extremely important,
and are mostly voluntary, where a thus marriages are arranged to ensure
person chooses their own partner. benefits for the group, not only the
individuals involved.
• In voluntary relationships,
marriage is seen as a step away • In non voluntary relationships,
from dependence on families as extended families are more likely to
the couple take steps to begin live together, providing more support
their own family. for each other.

• Voluntary relationships are seen • Arranged marriages revolve around

as being “worthless” without the idea of stability rather than
romantic love. romantic love.

• Voluntary relationships tend to • Non voluntary relationships tend to

have a higher divorce rate than have a lower divorce rate than
non voluntary relationships. voluntary relationships. Goodwin
Goodwin (1999) found that the US (1999) found that divorce rate in
divorce rate is 40-50%. Saudi Arabia is as low as 2%.

• Levine et al found that people in

collectivist cultures were more likely
to marry without love but with the
right qualities.

However, non voluntary does not always mean “love less”.

De Munck (1966) found that in Sri Lanka, romantic love was
still considered in arranged marriages.

Ghuman (1994) also pointed out that people belonging to

collectivist cultures do not always have non voluntary
relationships. When studying married Hindus living in
Britain, he found that only 9% had arranged marriages.

However, the divorce

rate

in Eastern countries is

increasing with the