Challenges to institution of marriage.

Challenges to the Institution of Marriage

The challenges to the institution of marriage can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Demographic and Economic Challenges

• Delayed Marriage: Rising education levels, particularly among women, and increased participation in the workforce lead to delayed marriage. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), the median age at first marriage for women has increased to 22.3 years.
• Economic Independence of Women: Financial independence reduces the economic necessity of marriage, allowing women greater agency in choosing whether or not to marry and when.
• Migration and Urbanization: Migration disrupts traditional family structures and support systems, impacting marital stability. Urban lifestyles often prioritize individual aspirations over familial obligations.
• Changing Employment Patterns: The rise of the gig economy and precarious employment can create financial stress within marriages.

2. Legal and Institutional Challenges

• Divorce Rates: While still relatively low compared to Western countries, divorce rates in India are rising, particularly in urban areas. The simplification of divorce procedures through amendments to laws like the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Special Marriage Act, 1954, have contributed to this trend.
• Maintenance Laws: The complexities and delays in obtaining maintenance under laws like Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code can create financial hardship for divorced women.
• Inter-caste and Inter-religious Marriages: While legally permissible, these marriages often face social opposition and familial pressure, leading to instability.
• Lack of Comprehensive Legislation: The absence of a uniform civil code addressing marriage, divorce, and inheritance across all religions creates legal inconsistencies and complexities.

3. Ideological and Social Challenges

• Changing Gender Roles: Traditional patriarchal norms are being challenged, with increasing expectations of gender equality within marriage. Conflicts arise when these expectations are not met.
• Individualism and Autonomy: A growing emphasis on individual autonomy and self-fulfillment can clash with the traditional expectations of marital commitment and sacrifice.
• Rise of Live-in Relationships: The increasing acceptance of live-in relationships as an alternative to marriage challenges the normative status of marriage.
• Influence of Western Culture: Exposure to Western media and lifestyles promotes alternative relationship models and challenges traditional marital values.
• Social Media & Technology: Increased access to social media can lead to infidelity, unrealistic expectations, and communication breakdowns within marriages.

4. Impact of Pandemic (COVID-19)

• Increased Stress: The pandemic led to economic hardship, job losses, and increased domestic responsibilities, exacerbating existing marital tensions.
• Domestic Violence: Lockdowns and confinement increased the risk of domestic violence, leading to marital breakdowns.
• Delayed Marriages & Ceremonies: The pandemic disrupted marriage plans and ceremonies, leading to delays and changes in traditional practices.

Challenge Category	Specific Issue	Impact on Marriage
Economic	Women’s financial independence	Reduced economic dependence on marriage
Legal	Rising divorce rates	Erosion of marital stability
Ideological	Changing gender roles	Conflicts over power dynamics and expectations
Demographic	Delayed marriage	Shift in societal norms around marriage timing