"Modern society is characterized by departure from tradition and religion to individualism and rational organization of society.". In the context of this statement, discuss to what extent the institution of marriage in Indian society has undergone changes.

changes occuring in marriage system

1. selection of partner : Increasing individualism in the society has provided for individuals to select the partner. Earlier families used to play important role in selection of partner.

2. motives of marriage: In old times, marriage was considered as a union of two families. Today marriage is seen as an instrument of emotional support. Earlier reproduction was considered as major aim of the marriage, while in modern times, reproduction is secondary.

3. New forms of marriage : New forms of marriage like lesbian marriages, LGBTQ marriages, Gay marriages are emerging. supreme Court of India in its judgement gave equal rights to LGBTQ Community to choose their partner. live-ins are slowly replacing marriages. Giddens advocated that in developed countries, living Apart Together (LAT) is emerging.

4. social Relations inside family/marriage The unequal relationship between husband and wife is being replaced by equal relationship where both husbands and wife are equally responsible for house-hold work and care of children. Menu gendered/sexual division of labor is slowly declining. Willmott and Moore called this phenomenon as emergence of "symmetrical families" in industrial society.

5. structure of family/marriage system AR Desai argued that joint families are being converted to Nuclear Families under the influence of Capitalism. while Yogendra Singh attributed this transition to modernisation of Indian society. However AM Shah, KM Kapadia saw this transition from joint to Nuclear family as intermediary and transitory. IP Desai even see this decline as only change in residence of members and not their orientation to family members.

6. size of family : Increasing expenditure on children for their education, health etc. has compelled couples to go for small family.

7. Role of Religion in marriage : However rationalisation of society has not eliminated the role of religious rituals in the marriage. But Religious necessity of being married has lost its significancy.