Q. Why is the study of marriage important in Sociology? Analyse the implications of changing marriage patterns for Indian society.
UPSC Sociology 2024 Paper 2
Model Answer:
The study of marriage is crucial in sociology for several reasons:
1. Social Structure: Marriage is a foundational institution that reflects and shapes societal norms and structures.
2. Cultural Insights: It provides understanding of kinship systems, gender roles, and cultural continuity or change.
3. 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.
4. Social Organization: Marriage regulates reproduction, inheritance, and child socialization.
5. Indicator of Change: Shifting marriage patterns signal broader societal transformations.
Changing marriage patterns in India and their implications:
1. Rise of Love Marriages:
• Challenges traditional arranged marriage norms
• Implications: Increased individual autonomy, potential weakening of caste/community ties
2. Inter-caste and Inter-religious Unions:
• Slowly gaining acceptance, facilitated by legal frameworks like Special Marriage Act
• Implications: Promotes social integration, challenges caste boundaries
3. Increasing Marriage Age:
• Due to focus on education and careers
• Implications: Impacts fertility rates, family planning, women’s workforce participation
4. Decline of Dowry Practices:
• Result of legal measures and changing attitudes
• Implications: Reduces economic burden on families, challenges gender inequalities
5. Emergence of Nuclear Families:
• Shift from joint family system, influenced by urbanization and individualistic values
• Implications: Changes in elder care, affects intergenerational relationships, alters social support systems
6. Discourse on Same-Sex Marriages:
• Emerging debates post-Section 377 decriminalization
• Implications: Challenges traditional notions of family, requires legal and social adaptations
Conclusion: Studying marriage reveals societal dynamics; in India, evolving patterns signify profound social, cultural, and economic transformations, necessitating policy adaptations and reshaping the social fabric.
