Studying marriage reveals societal dynamics; in India, evolving patterns signify profound social, cultural, and economic transformations, necessitating policy adaptations and reshaping the social fabric.

• Social Structure:Marriage is a foundational institution that reflects and shapes societal norms and structures.
• Cultural Insights:It provides understanding of kinship systems, gender roles, and cultural continuity or change.
• Theoretical Applications:Various sociological perspectives offer insights:
  • Functionalists (e.g., Durkheim) view marriage as essential for social stability.
  • Conflict theorists examine power dynamics and inequalities within marriage.
  • Symbolic interactionists focus on meanings individuals attach to marriage.
• Social Organization:Marriage regulates reproduction, inheritance, and child socialization.
• Indicator of Change:Shifting marriage patterns signal broader societal transformations.

Changing marriage patterns in India and their implications

Changing Forms of Marriage: Monogamy was the predominant form of marriage in traditional Hindu societies, but polygamy and swap marriages have become popular. 

Change of Purpose and Object of Marriage: Traditional Hindu marriage regards “dharma” as the fulfillment of religious obligations. With the advent of various factors such as mass media, consumerism, and globalization, sacred types of relationships are fading. Goals and purposes have changed meanings from respect, loyalty, and honesty to disrespect, greed, and dishonesty.

The Changing Process of Choosing a Partner: In the past, parents usually chose a mate, and girls had little say. Many stories and records are showing that parents married the daughter of their own accord. Due to various factors such as higher education levels of girls, urbanization, and economic independence, children are consulted on marital issues. Even girls and boys are encouraged to discuss and express each other''s opinions before the wedding ceremony. Marriages previously conducted by middlemen are now being replaced by marriage agencies and advertisements in newspapers and various social networks.

Changes in the Age of Marriage: The institution of marriage in traditional Indian society relied heavily on arranged marriages from an early age. With the advent of various factors such as technology and girls'' consciousness, a big change is happening now. In 1929, the Child Marriage Restriction Act (commonly known as the Sarda Act) was passed, setting the minimum age of marriage for girls and boys at 14 and 17 respectively. This law applied to all Indians. The last amendment (1978) raised the minimum age of marriage to 18 for boys and 21 for girls respectively. Additionally, because they are professionally trained, their children are more involved in learning, delaying marriage by 25 to 30 years. 

Changes in Marital Stability (increased divorce rates): The marriage system used to be fairly stable and divorces were rarely registered. Fear of the kinship system and strong social norms meant that marriages could not be dissolved whether the couple wanted to live together or not. The pressure for appearance, family honor, and family well-being was very strong. As modernization and technological progress, the rigid boundaries that governed traditional Indian life began to give way to new perspectives and lifestyles, and gender inequality was reinforced due to the changing status of women. The dissolution of marriage in modern society stems from the idea that, from the point of view of personal happiness, it is better to lead an independent life than to be married. In this way, divorce rates in India have steadily increased due to the passage of the Marriage and Family Acts and many other factors.

Changed options in rules for Endogamy and Exogamy: Inter-caste marriages, once considered unthinkable, are now not only allowed but encouraged. In addition to legislation, the freedom to choose a spouse facilitated inter-caste marriage. There has been a major change in the rules of endogamy. 

Changing Economic Aspects of Marriage: Weddings in cities are often held as social or civil ceremonies rather than religious ceremonies. In recent years, the concept of weddings in India has changed dramatically. It was a family affair and had a long guest list, but limited manageable budgets. The occasion was generally celebrated lavishly, with many ceremonies before and after. 

Emerging Marriage Systems

In addition to changes in age, education, caste, dowry, and divorce, there are structural changes in marriage patterns that are having a major impact on society. Although few in number, large cities, and urban areas face serious problems such as:

Homosexuals/Lesbians: Homosexuals/Lesbians are appearing in India at a rapid rate, which appears to have shocked Indian society. According to a study, there are thousands of gay/lesbians in the metropolitan areas of Indian society. A type of relationship in which same-sex couples get married. In 2004, the Civil Partnership Act gave same-sex couples the same legal rights as married couples regarding pensions, inheritance, rentals, and property. Early institutions of this kind were not conducive to society''s smooth functioning, but marriage followed a different pattern than in traditional societies.

Living Together: Previously, premarital and extramarital relationships were not allowed. Love was the result of the marriage of a boy and a girl, marriage was not the result of love. Young people may lose the meaning of marriage. However, there have been significant changes in sexual customs and values. Premarital sex, completely unknown in traditional Indian society, became increasingly visible. Cohabitation is the transition of a couple from dating to living together, which may or may not result in marriage. Adolescents began sexual relations long before they were married. The Brahmacharya Vrata has become irrelevant because of the new values. The idea arose of exchanging women for pleasure. Due to the influence of Western culture and weakened regulation of sexual behavior, married people are engaging in nonpartner sexual relationships. It is now socially acceptable for couples to have sexual relations, own homes, and have children outside of formal marriage.

DINK Syndrome (Dual Income No Kids): A slang term for a couple who both work and have no children. DINK explains more than your position as a childless couple. It has become synonymous with a particular type of lifestyle, often focused on career advancement and wealth building.

Single-Person Households: A single-person household is called a oneperson household. People are becoming more and more self-centered now. Both men and women want to establish their identity by building their own homes. New Economic opportunities have enabled more young men and women to become financially independent and less dependent on their parents for housing and other needs. India''s single-person household penetration rate is low compared to other parts of Asia and is expected to increase.

Evolving patterns thus signify profound social, cultural, and economic transformations, necessitating policy adaptations and reshaping the social fabric.