In an arranged marriage, who typically makes the choice of marriage partner?

• A. The couple
• B. The state
• C. Siblings
• D. Parents

Answer: (C)

In this scenario, the key idea is that marriage is arranged within the family network, with kin holding the authority to identify a suitable partner. Elder siblings often act as matchmakers, using their position in the family and their knowledge of extended kin networks to identify a potential partner and negotiate the terms of an arrangement with the parents and other relatives. Because they are the ones who carry out the searching and initial negotiations, they’re the ones who effectively make the choice in this context. The parents still have influence and must approve, but the act of selecting a partner is typically driven by the siblings who coordinate the match within the family.