Introduction: The societal pressure to get married
Marriage is considered one of the most significant events in a person’s life, and it comes with societal expectations that can be hard to meet. The pressure to marry and conform to traditional standards is amplified in Eastern societies, where family values are highly esteemed. People are expected to find partners, settle down and start families at a certain age. But what happens when you’re not ready or don’t want these things? Let’s explore how societal expectations affect individuals in Eastern societies and offer some tips on dealing with the pressure to conform. Let’s dive in!
The societal pressure to conform in Eastern societies
In Eastern societies, there is a strong societal pressure to conform and fit into the expected roles and behaviors. This includes getting married by a certain age, having children, and adhering to traditional gender roles. The pressure can come from family members, friends, and even strangers.
For women in particular, the expectation to get married at a young age can be overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for women over 25 who are unmarried to feel like they have failed or that something is wrong with them. There is also pressure to marry someone of the same race or religion.
Men are also subject to societal pressures such as providing financially for their families and upholding their cultural traditions. The idea of being a “man” in Eastern societies often entails being tough, stoic, and successful – both professionally and personally.
These expectations can lead individuals to make choices that do not align with their personal values or desires- ultimately leading to unhappiness or dissatisfaction with one’s own life path.
The reasons for the pressure to conform
The pressure to conform to societal expectations in Eastern societies is deeply ingrained, with marriage being one of the most significant ones. There are several reasons why this pressure exists.
Firstly, cultural norms and traditions hold a lot of weight in these societies. Marriage is seen as a crucial aspect of life that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and it’s expected that everyone will follow this path.
Secondly, family values play an essential role. The extended family unit is highly valued in Eastern cultures, and getting married signifies not only the union between two individuals but also between their families.
Thirdly, there’s a fear of social exclusion or stigma attached to those who remain unmarried beyond a certain age. It may lead them to face questions about their choices or be viewed negatively by society at large.
Economic factors also come into play. In many Eastern societies where arranged marriages still occur frequently, financial stability holds more importance than romantic love for some families when considering potential partners for their children.
These reasons contribute significantly to the societal pressure for conformity regarding marriage in Eastern societies.
The effects of the pressure to conform
The pressure to conform in Eastern societies can have a significant impact on individuals, particularly when it comes to marriage. For many young people, the weight of societal expectations can lead them to feel like they must get married at a certain age or risk being seen as a failure.
This pressure can be even more intense for women, who may face discrimination and stigma if they remain unmarried past their early twenties. As a result, many women may feel forced into marriages that aren’t right for them simply because they don’t want to face the negative consequences of remaining single.
Wrong decisions or marrying anyone just for the sake of it because you’re getting older, all of these marriages end up in divorces. According to a research conducted:
“During the first seven months of 2022, the courts have approved more than 6,000 divorces, while another 7,000 divorce petitions are pending before the court. This means that daily, around 100-150 cases of divorce are being filed in the courts”
The effects of this pressure can be far-reaching and long-lasting. It’s not uncommon for individuals who marry under societal pressure to struggle with issues such as depression, anxiety, or even low self-esteem. This is especially true if the individual feels trapped in an unhappy relationship but doesn’t know how to leave without facing further social ostracism.
The societal expectation that one should get married by a certain age or face ridicule from society is damaging both emotionally and psychologically. Instead of pressuring young people into making hasty decisions about their lives, we need to create an environment where everyone has the freedom and support necessary to make choices based on what’s best for them – not just what will please others around them.
How to deal with the pressure to conform
Dealing with the pressure to conform in Eastern societies can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips on how to handle societal expectations while staying true to yourself.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that the pressure to conform comes from deeply ingrained cultural and traditional beliefs. It’s essential to acknowledge that these expectations exist without letting them dictate your life choices.
Secondly, surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you are. Having a strong support system will make dealing with societal pressures much easier.
Thirdly, communicate openly and honestly with your family and loved ones about your desires and aspirations. Open dialogue can help bridge the gap between generational differences and provide clarity on difficult topics such as marriage.
Fourthly, focus on building self-confidence by setting personal goals, pursuing hobbies or interests outside of societal norms. This will give you a sense of purpose beyond social validation.
Remember that everyone has their own timeline for success and happiness. Don’t compare yourself to others or let external factors rush you into making life-altering decisions before you’re ready.
Navigating through the pressures of Eastern society requires patience, understanding and resilience. With determination and good communication skills one can find a balance between following traditions whilst remaining true oneself
Conclusion
To sum up, the societal pressure to conform in Eastern societies is a complex issue that affects many individuals. The expectations placed on people to get married can be overwhelming and often lead to negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
However, it’s important to remember that there are ways to deal with this pressure. By communicating openly with family members and loved ones about your feelings and setting boundaries for yourself, you can start to break free from societal expectations.
It’s also crucial for communities in Eastern societies to work towards creating more accepting and inclusive environments where individuals feel comfortable being themselves. Only by challenging traditional norms can we hope to build a society that values individuality over conformity.
Ultimately, choosing whether or not to get married should be a personal decision based on one’s own desires rather than external pressures. It’s time for us all – regardless of our cultural backgrounds -to recognize this fact and support one another in living fulfilling lives according to our own terms.
