Q. Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from ‘ritual’ to ‘commercial’ in its outlook. Explain the factors behind this change.
UPSC Sociology 2024 Paper 1
Model Answer:
Marriage from Ritual to Commercial
Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from ‘ritual’ to ‘commercial’ in its outlook. The factors behind this change include:
1. Modernization and Economic Liberalization: Economic reforms have led to increased consumerism, influencing wedding practices. M.N. Srinivas explain the adoption of lavish wedding customs as symbols of social status.
2. Media Influence: The portrayal of grand weddings in media, especially Bollywood, has created new aspirations and expectations among the masses.
3. Urbanization: Migration to cities has weakened traditional community ties, leading to more individualistic and often more extravagant approaches to marriage celebrations.
4. Changing Family Structures: The shift from joint to nuclear families has altered decision-making processes in marriage arrangements, often resulting in increased wedding expenditures.
5. Rise of the Wedding Industry: A growing industry of wedding planners, designers, and specialized services has commercialized various aspects of wedding rituals.
6. Changing Gender Dynamics: With increasing women’s education and workforce participation, there’s often more financial capacity and decision-making power in wedding planning, sometimes leading to more elaborate celebrations.
These factors have collectively transformed marriage from a primarily ritual-based institution to one increasingly influenced by commercial interests and changing social dynamics.
