Marriage–West vs East: A Social Contract or a Spiritual Bond​

Abstract

Marriage, as a fundamental social institution, varies dramatically across cultures, reflecting deeper philosophical, religious, and cultural values. This article examines the contrasting approaches to marriage between Western and Eastern societies, where Western traditions increasingly view marriage as a contractual arrangement focused on individual rights and personal fulfillment, while Eastern traditions maintain marriage as a spiritual bond encompassing families, communities, and cosmic harmony. Through comparative analysis, this study explores the historical foundations, contemporary perspectives, and modern challenges facing both paradigms.