Are arranged marriages more successful?

The question of whether arranged marriages are more successful than those formed through modern courtship is complex, and opinions vary. In an episode of The Lunar Society featuring David Friedman, he shares an insightful anecdote from a woman in southern India whose arranged marriage was successful, contrasting with his own marriage that ended in divorce. He notes that the cultural context and support structures can play a significant role in the success of these marriages, rather than just the method of partner selection itself1.

There's no clear consensus on whether arranged marriages are outright more successful, as success can be defined differently (e.g., longevity vs. personal happiness). More research is needed to separate factors like cultural support and personal choice to make definitive conclusions 1.