Page 118 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Sociology of Kinship

Notes 10. Freedom to Select Life Partners: Until some time ago, marriage was between two families
and not two individuals. But today, it is perceived as a matter related to two individuals
only. Earlier, parents used to select a partner for their sons and daugthers.
The parents did not consult them. But today, with delayed marriages, increased education
and youngsters coming in contact with each other, they (youngsters) want to opt for a life
partner of their choice. They seek their parents content for it. In this manner, the change has
occurred from ‘parents’ to ‘joint’ selection. According to B.V. Shah, a study on (Vadodara)
University, out of 200 students, 60% of them wished to seek their parents consent in select-
ing their bride 32.5% wished to select on their own. According to studies conducted by
Margaret Cormac, 70% of the students wished to seek their parents consent while 32% were
in favour of marrying on their own.
11. Changes in the Criteria of Partner Selection: When selecting a match for their sons and
daughters, parents keep in view, a numer of factors-the reputation of the family, its moral-
ity, property, caste, amount of dowry, physical attributes, character, monetary status (in-
come) and job of the prospective bride or groom. But now that youngsters are themselves
coming forward to select their partners, they look for physical attraction, education, train-
ing, characters, accomplishment in household affairs etc.
12. Increased Romance Based Love Marriages: Today love marriages are prevalent because of
youngsters getting increased opportunities in getting close to each other and thus falling
in love. Though such marriages are prevalent in urban areas only, the society is reflecting a
flexible approach.
13. Prevalence of Inter-Caste Marriages: Caste does not act as a deterrent in such marriages
as youngsters are themselves involved in it. Moreover, they are based on love. Today, the
number of inter-caste marriages is increasing.
14. Changes in the Position of Wife: Today, women too have the same rights as men regarding
marriage and divorce. Until some time ago, the position of women was low as compared to
men but now, both share equal positions. Now a woman’s position is no longer perceived
as that of a slave. She walks shoulder to shoulder with her husband.
15. Changes in Marriage Rites and Rituals: Now, people consider the traditional rites and
rituals as unnecessary. Now, marriage ceremonies are getting simpler. Now marriage cer-
emonies are completed in a single day or just a couple of hours. In big cities, they are ar-
ranged in hotels and banquet halls. Due to lack of time, marriage rites and rituals are cut
short and are simplified. This has become a trend now.
16. Changes the way of Selecting a Partner: Advertising the newspapers for marriage is a
trend that is being increasingly viewed these days, though in India, very few marriages are
arranged through this medium. Even today life partners are selected by the parents or in
some cases, the youngsters themselves. A new trend is being viewed mainly in urban up-
per and middle class. After the engagement, the boys and girls are allowed to meet by the
parents. They meet in theatres, parties and restaurants. During this time, they talk about
their families, education, job, budget, house, liabilities etc. They get to know of each other’s
views and get an idea of how their life would be after marriage. They go in for marriage of
their views and ideas match. In case, they don’t match, they (boy and girl) may break up.
It is evident that increased industrialisation, urbanisation, westernisation, aggressive education
campaign, women’s campaign, decreased effect of religion, stress on romance and the flexibility
of laws etc. have changed the structure of the traditional Hindu marriage. Many changes are
occurring now.

16.2 Recent Changes in the Christian Marriage
In the recent times, because of industrialisation, innovation, western education, materialistic
views, individualistic ideology, the ideological views related to the Christian marriage are also

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