Oh, arrange marriages happen all the time! I know quite a few people my age, of Asian and Indian decent, in their mid 20's, who have had their marriages set up. They are all happy with it as far as I can tell and none of them were forced. The parents just decided if their kids would be a good...
That sucks for your friends.... I don't know how old you/your peers are, but it really does sound like a lack of communication or the culture?
I'm not married but of the few of my generation, born in the 80's, who are married, seem to have it pretty balanced. If one is a stay at home, they do...
I'd have to say I will marry because of non-love related reasons. Don't think a ceremony or piece of paper will change the relationship between my other and I. However the title married seems to carry lots of social connotations and benefits otherwise.