A liberal outlook and festivals where social norms are turned upside down set the Kalash people of north-western Pakistan apart from the rest of the country. But their culture is under threat as Nosheen Abbas found out.
During festival time in Pakistan's Kalash valley, almost anything is possible for women.
They can declare their love for a suitor and end their marriages, as long as the community knows about the impending split in advance. They can even elope.
Forced marriage parents face jail under new laws
http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18356117
This seems like a challenging social problem to deal with. While this will discourage parents from forcing their children into marrying. But at the same time, it will discourage children from reporting their parents. So, you will see a decrease in the forced marriages that might be due to children not reporting.
If this is an appropriate law to deal with the forced marriages?
Some examples of different courtship practices include arranged marriages, dowry systems, polygamy, courtship rituals and ceremonies, and parental involvement in the selection of a partner.
Courtship practices refer to the rituals and behaviors that take place before marriage, while marriage practices refer to the customs and traditions that occur during and after the wedding ceremony.
Cultural beliefs, societal norms, religious traditions, and economic factors can all play a role in shaping courtship and marriage practices in different societies.
Some potential benefits of different courtship and marriage practices include preserving cultural traditions, strengthening family ties, and providing financial stability. However, drawbacks may include limited personal choice and autonomy, gender inequality, and potential for abuse.
Courtship and marriage practices have evolved significantly over time, with changes in societal attitudes, economic conditions, and technological advancements. For example, arranged marriages have become less common in many cultures, and dating apps have changed the way people meet and form relationships.