A 1995 study conducted by Swiss zoologist Claus Wedekind found that, when asked to choose between T-shirts with different body odors, women tended to prefer those of men with certain genes dissimilar from their own (cite mult sources that mention). From this “smelly T-shirt experiment” arose the process of genetic matchmaking, in which comparisons of two individuals’ specific genes in an effort to determine romantic compatibility (cite source), known as MHC genes (cite mult. sources). Multiple studies correlating its sequence with individuals’ mutual attraction have also concluded similar results: participants’ attraction tended to increase with increasing MHC gene dissimilarity (Oxford, other studies).
Based upon Wedekind’s conclusions, a …show more content…
“How Love Emerges in Arranged Marriages: Two Cross-Cultural Studies” presents the argument that arranged marriages may produce increasing love over time. In the study, both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered from arranged-marriage couples of varying cultural and family backgrounds. Results indicated that the growth of love was gradual and, according to one participant, “better than the romantic kind of love we see in Hollywood movies” (source). From the data, the authors conclude that arranged marriages may be “ideal [...] for studying how love can be built over time.” The limits of such a study, however, are not neglected: in discussing the shortcomings of their procedure the authors add that the scope excluded arranged marriages where love does not emerge (roughly half of all such arrangements) as well as the fact that the subjects of the study were volunteers, contributing toskewed …show more content…
After all, the process measures “romantic compatibility” with the degree of genetic difference between individuals, a biological component. By focusing solely on biological assessment, the process may disregard the fundamental values the West holds as the basis of ideal romantic relationships: freedom of personal choice and presence of romantic love (Dave, Wherry).
In Allie Condie’s Matched Trilogy, a young adult (YA) book series, choosing a partner based on choice and love is portrayed to be more rewarding than allowing a matchmaking process to choose for its user. The fictional setting is a futuristic utopia in which its citizens are “Matched” with their significant other by a government-run matchmaking system. The main character, however, defies that system, ultimately choosing to fall in love with someone other than her “Match” and finding herself in a happier relationship than she did with her “Match.” By negatively portraying the matchmaking system and positively portraying the main character’s final decision, this literary work embodies and contributes to the cultural emphasis placed upon love and choice in romantic
Based upon Wedekind’s conclusions, a …show more content…
“How Love Emerges in Arranged Marriages: Two Cross-Cultural Studies” presents the argument that arranged marriages may produce increasing love over time. In the study, both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered from arranged-marriage couples of varying cultural and family backgrounds. Results indicated that the growth of love was gradual and, according to one participant, “better than the romantic kind of love we see in Hollywood movies” (source). From the data, the authors conclude that arranged marriages may be “ideal [...] for studying how love can be built over time.” The limits of such a study, however, are not neglected: in discussing the shortcomings of their procedure the authors add that the scope excluded arranged marriages where love does not emerge (roughly half of all such arrangements) as well as the fact that the subjects of the study were volunteers, contributing toskewed …show more content…
After all, the process measures “romantic compatibility” with the degree of genetic difference between individuals, a biological component. By focusing solely on biological assessment, the process may disregard the fundamental values the West holds as the basis of ideal romantic relationships: freedom of personal choice and presence of romantic love (Dave, Wherry).
In Allie Condie’s Matched Trilogy, a young adult (YA) book series, choosing a partner based on choice and love is portrayed to be more rewarding than allowing a matchmaking process to choose for its user. The fictional setting is a futuristic utopia in which its citizens are “Matched” with their significant other by a government-run matchmaking system. The main character, however, defies that system, ultimately choosing to fall in love with someone other than her “Match” and finding herself in a happier relationship than she did with her “Match.” By negatively portraying the matchmaking system and positively portraying the main character’s final decision, this literary work embodies and contributes to the cultural emphasis placed upon love and choice in romantic