Kazakh Families Persist with Matrimonial Customs; Expensive Matrimonies Wane According to Poll Results
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is witnessing a gradual transformation in its cultural practices, particularly those related to marriage, dowry, and bride kidnapping. A recent survey by the Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development (KIPD) titled "Peculiarities of Intergenerational Interaction in Kazakh Families" sheds light on these changing attitudes.
Traditional Kazakh marriage customs, such as the exchange of dowry and elaborate wedding ceremonies, remain significant in many communities. However, these practices are increasingly being questioned by younger generations who value personal choice and economic practicality over strict adherence to tradition.
Divorce rates in Kazakhstan have been on the rise, reaching levels comparable to Western countries, indicating a shift towards greater acceptance of dissolving unsatisfactory marriages. This contrasts with earlier societal emphasis on marriage permanence.
Bride kidnapping, or "ala kachuu" as it is locally known, has historically existed in some rural areas of Kazakhstan. However, this practice is now illegal and widely condemned. Contemporary attitudes increasingly reject bride kidnapping as a violation of women’s rights and personal freedom. Changing social values and educational outreach are contributing to its decline, although isolated cases may persist due to entrenched local customs and social pressures.
Dowry remains culturally significant but is often adapted or simplified to fit modern lifestyles. Over 78.6% of respondents believe that parents should prepare a decent dowry before their daughter's marriage, but the practice is becoming more flexible to accommodate changing economic conditions.
Interestingly, the East Kazakhstan Region has one of the lowest rates (2.9%) of respondents who support holding extravagant celebrations, while Turkistan and Kyzylorda regions show much higher support (50.7% and 53.3%, respectively). However, over 60% of respondents oppose such extravagance, especially if the family cannot comfortably settle a large debt.
The custom of parents living with their son's new family remains highly valued in Kazakhstan. In all regions, except for Pavlodar, over 50% of respondents support this custom. The highest levels of support are seen in the southern regions of the country.
The KIPD report also indicates that only 35.7% of respondents have a positive attitude towards lavish weddings on credit. More than 77% believe it is appropriate for one of the sons, typically the youngest, to live with his parents.
Traditions such as kalyn mal (ransom for the bride), the elders' right to name the oldest child, and the practice of granting the husband's parents the right to name the first-born child find great support among the population. Over 70% of respondents have a positive or somewhat positive attitude towards the custom of bride price.
However, the Human Rights Commissioner's Office is considering amendments to the Criminal Code, including the introduction of a separate article addressing the abduction of women for forced marriage. This move underscores the ongoing efforts to protect women's rights and combat practices that infringe upon personal freedom.
In summary, while traditions like marriage ceremonies and dowry retain cultural importance in Kazakhstan, social acceptance of practices like bride kidnapping has declined sharply. Marriage itself is increasingly seen through the lens of personal fulfillment and legal frameworks rather than solely as a communal or familial obligation. This shift in attitudes reflects the influence of modernization, legal reforms, and evolving social norms in Kazakhstan.
References: 1. Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development (KIPD). (2023). Peculiarities of Intergenerational Interaction in Kazakh Families. 2. UNFPA. (2021). Kazakhstan: Progress and Challenges in Family Planning and Reproductive Health. 3. Human Rights Watch. (2019). "Ala Kachuu": Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. 4. The Diplomat. (2020). Kazakhstan's Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage and Family. 5. The Astana Times. (2021). Kazakhstan's Family Code: A New Era for Marriage and Divorce.
