The role of the family in the marriage process: The case of Denizli

One of the key aspects of marriage is the role of the family in partner selection. Families, through cultural expectations, economic considerations, and social networks, significantly influence individuals' choices in selecting a spouse. In many societies, family preferences continue to shape marital decisions, either directly through arranged marriages or indirectly through social expectations. This influence manifests particularly in the tendency toward endogamy, where individuals marry within their social, cultural, or ethnic groups, reinforcing group cohesion and continuity. Conversely, exogamy, or marriage outside one's immediate social group, is often met with varying degrees of resistance, depending on the strength of traditional values within a given society. This study examines the impact of social change on the institution of marriage in the province of Denizli. It explores the extent to which traditional marriage relationships persist and identifies the underlying factors contributing to their resilience. In particular, the study investigates why families in Denizli, who share a common cultural, social, and economic background, tend to adhere to local marriage patterns and exhibit reluctance toward exogamous marriages. While modernization and increased mobility have facilitated more diverse marital choices, social expectations and familial influences continue to play a decisive role in shaping partner selection. In this context, the interaction between traditional and modern marriage practices will be analyzed, and the implications of social transformation on the institution of marriage will be discussed. Keywords: Family, Marriage, Social Construction,Habitus