I talked to mygrandparents and my parents. For my grandfather, he was born in south Asia allof the students around the age of 20, boys and girls had separate schools.There was no co-education system at the time of 1960's. Also, in that societygirls were considered inferior compared to boys. The marriages were arranged byparents and they did not have any right to choose their own partner. Parentswould also not like to give higher education to the girls rather they wouldlike them to get married and go to in-laws home. On the other hand,when my dad was twenty in about 1980's (also in south Asia),co-ed high schools were introduced in the society. He personally went to theco-ed high school in India. Colleges were also co-ed but most of the elderlypeople wanted their sons to go to Men College and girls to Women College. Also,love marriages were happening at that time, older generation did not appreciatethat but they were happening at that time in South Asia. Compared this to mygeneration we have co-education since kindergarden. Every parent wants toeducate their children no matter if that is a boy or a girl. Also, as I am in Americastudents in 20’s have freedom of marriage and can marry anyone they think isgood partner for them.
Hi Jaskirat!
ReplyDeleteI think that's so fascinating how different the lifestyle was during your grandparent's time. I can't imagine what it would be like to have an arranged marriage and only all-girl or all boy schools. Our grandparent's generation probably look at the youth of today and are amazed by how much things have changed. It is nice to look at history to see what we can take from each set of societies so we can improve on our own. We can examine history to allow us to create a better future for ourselves. I’m sure it was a great experience speaking with them and making those connections!
I totally understand what you mean by arranged marriages because I have friends whose parents were made to get married by their elders. I feel like I'd never be able to do that and it's absolutely admirable how they are able to agree with that and be okay with it in the long run. It's also good that times have changed and now love marriages are more possible to happen because it's so much better. This post made me actually want to talk to my friends more and learn more about the culture because it’s interesting to know that a lot of other places do not have the same kind of freedom that Americans have.
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