Malinowski defines marriage as a contract for the production and maintenance of children.According to classical notion of marriage as defined by  Horton and Hunt is the approved social pattern whereby two or more persons establish a family. However due to  market and modern forces marriage has also changed in  its essence, structure, and functions as well as meanings and orientation.

Changes in marriage due to change in Market Forces

• In traditional marital alliance, wife had no voice in family decision-making. In contemporary families, the wife now plays an equal role in budgeting family expenses, disciplining children, making purchases, and giving gifts, asserting herself as an equal partner in these aspects of family life. The assumption of economic role and the education of wife have made wives potential equals.
• Many individuals are choosing to delay marriage until later in life. Economic factors, such as pursuing higher education and establishing a career, have led people to postpone marriage.
• With economic independence of people, now love marriage is also seeing increasing trend.
• Also with economic independence of both married partner family marital breakdown has become easier, divorce rate is higher in double income no kid families.
• Also, instead of the samskara of the girl and the reputation of the groom’s family, resource mobilisation capacity of both is becoming criterion for mate selection.
• Market forces also promote consumerism and materialistic culture. Due to this , conspicuous consumption in marriage ceremonies such as destination weddings in five star palatial hotels of Udaipur.
• In some societies, there has been a decline in marriage rates. Factors such as economic instability, changing gender dynamics, and a greater emphasis on individualism have contributed to this trend. Many individuals are opting for alternative lifestyles, choosing to remain single or engage in long-term partnerships without formal marriage.

 Role of forces of Modernity:-

• The emphasis on individual fulfilment and personal happiness has increased, impacting the institution of marriage. People are seeking partners who can support their personal growth and goals, and are less willing to settle for unhappy or unsatisfying relationships. This trend highlights the shift towards more egalitarian and companionate marriages.
• Technology has had a significant impact on marriage and family dynamics. Social media, dating apps, and online platforms have altered the way people meet, form relationships, and maintain connections. These technological advancements have expanded.
• Life is becoming more and more secular, marriage is no longer a sacrament, but a personal affair.According to Nicky Hart opportunities to escape marriage are more today and divorce is no longer social stigma.
• According to Karve, dowry is becoming more entrenched and prices of groom are increasing with education.
• Legal restrictions on polygamous marriage have led to emancipation of women. This trend towards monogamy has transformed the intimacies and individual preferences for marriage.Legal rational transformation of marriage through Court marriage, now it is becoming mere a contract that is dissoluble.
• Modernity contributes to liberty in mate selection beyond one’ caste, religion, class or ethnicity. This contributes to the emergence of Inter religious/ caste/ state/ ethnicity marriages. Values of Liberty and individuality also give rise to live-in relationships.
• Modernity also promotes secularisation. It contributes to Contractualisation of marriage and divorces and serial monogamy.  Modern values also promote ideology of acceptance of homosexual identity or fluid sexual identities. It promotes same sex marriages.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian society, market forces and modernity have undoubtedly reshaped the contours of marriage. The institution has witnessed transformations in its structure, roles, and meanings. However, amidst these changes, marriage persists as a significant and enduring societal institution, reflecting both tradition and adaptation to contemporary influences.