It was also suggested that the presence of workers from minority ethnic communities would help with users' language needs. The Pakistani Participants' Outlook Most participants in focus group discussions and interviews felt that marriage is a bond between two families rather than just two individuals. Marriages normally take place through parental choice, but with the consent of prospective partners. Marriages to cousins are permissible and sometimes preferred. The members of the immediate family often remain involved in domestic decision making.
Family links provide support but are also reasons for discord between partners.
Culture clash was identified as one of the reasons for marital conflict. Divorce is permitted, but takes place only when all reconciliation efforts are exhausted. Sometimes the stigma attached to divorce and financial insecurity are reasons for women to continue with an unhappy marriage. Cohabitation is generally unacceptable. The participants felt that they would perhaps be best served if the mediator belonged to their own ethnic group or at least had an understanding of their cultural and religious beliefs.