2024 Paper 2

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.

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