Roadmap for Answer Writing
Analyze the effects of globalization on the institution of marriage in India.
To write an effective answer, follow the structured roadmap below:
1. Introduction
- Purpose: Provide a brief introduction to globalization and its widespread impact on various aspects of society.
- Context: Mention how globalization has affected social norms, including the institution of marriage in India.
Example:
“Globalization has significantly impacted traditional Indian institutions, including marriage. With rapid advancements in technology, communication, and economic integration, marriage dynamics in India have undergone noticeable changes. These transformations reflect evolving social structures and attitudes.”
2. Key Effects of Globalization on Marriage
a. Changing Attitudes Towards Inter-Caste and Inter-Religion Marriages (60-70 words)
- Effect: Globalization has promoted greater acceptance of inter-caste and inter-religion marriages, especially in urban areas.
- Fact: “Inter-caste and inter-religion marriages have gained more acceptance in urban India, challenging traditional caste and religious divisions.” (Source: Indian Sociology Review, 2020).
b. Delayed Age of Marriage
- Effect: Economic independence, education, and career aspirations, especially among women, have led to a rise in the age of marriage.
- Fact: “The percentage of women married before the age of 18 dropped from 47% in 2005-06 to 27% in 2015-16.” (Source: National Family Health Survey, 2016).
c. Changing Partner Selection Process
- Effect: The rise of dating apps and matrimonial websites has shifted partner selection from family-arranged to individual choice.
- Fact: “Matrimonial websites and dating platforms have allowed young people to take charge of their partner search, with families offering guidance but not determining the final choice.” (Source: Times of India, 2019).
d. Rising Divorce Rates (40-50 words)
- Effect: Globalization has led to greater individualism, which has contributed to an increase in divorce rates.
- Fact: “Divorce rates have increased in urban areas due to a focus on personal growth and happiness, with younger generations more likely to prioritize these over traditional marital obligations.” (Source: The Hindu, 2020).
3. Other Emerging Trends
a. Changing Relationship Norms
- Effect: Live-in relationships, open marriages, and the acceptance of homosexuality have gained visibility in the context of globalization.
- Fact: “The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling decriminalizing homosexuality has paved the way for broader acceptance of same-sex relationships, challenging the traditional heteronormative view of marriage.” (Source: Supreme Court Judgment, 2018).
b. Rise of Consumerism in Weddings
- Effect: Wedding rituals now include Western practices such as bachelor/bachelorette parties, pre-wedding photo shoots, and destination weddings.
- Fact: “Globalization has introduced Western wedding practices, and luxury items such as refrigerators and cars have become key components of dowry.” (Source: Economic Times, 2019).
4. Conclusion
- Summary: Summarize the overall impact of globalization on marriage in India, highlighting both positive and negative transformations.
- Closing Thought: Mention the gradual pace of acceptance for some changes, with traditional views and practices still holding sway in certain regions.
Example:
“Globalization has brought significant changes to the institution of marriage in India, making it more flexible and individualistic. While trends like delayed marriage and inter-caste unions have gained popularity, deeper changes, such as acceptance of same-sex marriage, are still emerging slowly.”
Relevant Facts to Include
- Inter-Caste and Inter-Religion Marriages
- Fact: “Inter-caste and inter-religion marriages have gained more acceptance in urban India, challenging traditional caste and religious divisions.” (Source: Indian Sociology Review, 2020)
- Delayed Age of Marriage
- Fact: “The percentage of women married before the age of 18 dropped from 47% in 2005-06 to 27% in 2015-16.” (Source: National Family Health Survey, 2016)
- Partner Selection Process
- Fact: “Matrimonial websites and dating platforms have allowed young people to take charge of their partner search, with families offering guidance but not determining the final choice.” (Source: Times of India, 2019)
- Increased Divorce Rates
- Fact: “Divorce rates have increased in urban areas due to a focus on personal growth and happiness, with younger generations more likely to prioritize these over traditional marital obligations.” (Source: The Hindu, 2020)
- Changing Relationship Norms
- Fact: “The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling decriminalizing homosexuality has paved the way for broader acceptance of same-sex relationships, challenging the traditional heteronormative view of marriage.” (Source: Supreme Court Judgment, 2018)
- Consumerism in Weddings
- Fact: “Globalization has introduced Western wedding practices, and luxury items such as refrigerators and cars have become key components of dowry.” (Source: Economic Times, 2019
Model Answer
The Impact of Globalization on the Institution of Marriage in India
Globalization has brought significant changes to various aspects of Indian society, including the institution of marriage. These shifts have been influenced by economic, cultural, and social transformations. The effects can be observed in the following ways:
1. Inter-Caste and Inter-Religion Marriages
Traditionally, caste and religion played a crucial role in determining marriage partners in India. However, globalization and modernization have contributed to a more open-minded approach, especially in urban areas. Inter-caste and inter-religion marriages have become more accepted, with growing social awareness and liberal ideas encouraging individuals to look beyond traditional barriers (Source: Indian Sociology Review, 2020).
2. Delayed Age of Marriage
One of the significant changes is the rising age of marriage, particularly among women. With more women pursuing higher education and career opportunities, the age at which they marry has been delayed. In 2005-06, 47% of Indian women in their early 20s were married before the age of 18. By 2015-16, this number decreased to 27% (Source: National Family Health Survey, 2016). This shift is linked to greater autonomy in decision-making and increased opportunities for women.
3. Selection of Partner
In traditional Indian marriages, arranged marriages, with the involvement of family members, were the norm. However, globalization has empowered individuals, particularly in urban areas, to play a more active role in selecting their life partners. The rise of matrimonial websites and dating apps has given individuals more control over this decision (Source: Times of India, 2019).
4. Increased Divorce Rates
There has been an increase in divorce rates in India, particularly in urban areas. This trend reflects the growing individualism, changing social values, and the declining reliance on marriage for social and financial security. Younger couples, in particular, are more likely to prioritize personal growth and happiness, leading to higher divorce rates (Source: The Hindu, 2020).
5. Changing Relationship Dynamics
Globalization has also led to changing relationship norms, such as live-in relationships and open marriages, especially among the youth in cities. Additionally, the decriminalization of homosexuality by the Supreme Court in 2018 has encouraged more people to openly express their sexual preferences, challenging traditional marriage norms (Source: Supreme Court Judgment, 2018).
6. Consumerism and Wedding Culture
Globalization has introduced Western concepts like bachelor and bachelorette parties, pre-wedding photoshoots, and destination weddings into Indian culture. Luxury items such as refrigerators and cars have also become important components of dowry, reflecting a shift towards consumerism in marriage rituals (Source: Economic Times, 2019).
Conclusion
The impact of globalization on the institution of marriage in India is multifaceted. While aspects like delayed marriage, individual choice in partner selection, and changing relationship dynamics have evolved more rapidly, other changes, such as inter-caste marriages and acceptance of same-sex relationships, are being adopted at a slower pace. These shifts reflect both the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization in redefining traditional institutions in modern India.