Madhav AgarwalAIR 16 · CSE 2024 · 243 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Marriage is a important social institution that denotes bond of two people and enjoys both religious & legal sanctions.
Evolutionary changes felt in marriage institute:
Body
(i) New forms of marriages emerging such as same sex marriages, contractual marriages, etc
(ii) Shift from an obligation under Dharma to seek a "companion"
(iii) Role of elders in choice of partner is seeing a downfall.
(iv) Stability of marriages affected due to increase in rate of divorces specially in urban areas.
(v) Technology enabling match making through Internet (eg: Shaadi.com).
(vi) Women getting freedom in terms of choice due to empowerment.
However, Somethings Still static:
→ Low rate of inter caste marriages (eg: 5.8% census 2011)
→ Preference of Arranged Marriage as per CSDS LokNiti survey.
No social sanction for same sex marriage in traditional societies.
Role played by market & State:
(A) Market :- +ve role
→ Job opportunities gave empowerment and negotiation power to women
→ Urbanisation reduced role of caste in marriages (anonymity).
-ve role: → Consumerism and dating culture promoted → adultery.
(B) Role of State:
+ve: - Laws to enable registration
(i) Special Marriage Act for inter-caste and inter-religious union.
- Hadiya case led to Article 21 include Right to marry partner of choice.
-ve: - Limited impact on [dowry] as socially approved (many complaints).
- Child marriages still continue (India is a largest hotspot in world - UNDP)
Close
The marriage of institution is thus evolving along with changes in society.