Marriage of convenience
A marriage for reasons other than love or commitment.
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A marriage of convenience is a marriage contracted for reasons other than love and commitment, typically for personal gain or strategic purposes such as political alliances. Such marriages may exploit legal loopholes, hide homosexuality, or serve dynastic interests, and are distinct from arranged marriages, though forced or sham marriages are illegal in many jurisdictions.
Quick Facts
- Metaphorical use
- Partnerships for mutual benefit
- e.g.
- national unity governments
Facts from the source article.
Background
Marriages of convenience have been used to exploit legal loopholes, such as gaining citizenship or residency rights (e.g., green card marriages in the United States). During the Vietnam War era in the US, some couples married briefly to avoid military draft, often annulling after a year. Such sham marriages can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a marriage of convenience?
A marriage of convenience is a union entered into for practical or strategic benefit rather than romantic love or genuine commitment. It functions as a social institution where the primary driver is something like personal gain or political advantage.
Are marriages of convenience legal?
In many jurisdictions, forced or sham marriages are explicitly illegal, which can complicate the status of convenience-based unions. However, a marriage entered into voluntarily for strategic reasons may still be legally valid even if love is absent.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Marriage of convenience (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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