A Short Guide To Marriage

Source: The post is based on the article “A Short Guide To Marriage” published in The Times of India on 10^th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1 – Indian Society

Relevance: About the evolving meaning of marriage

News: The term marriage has evolved with the time. The present meaning of marriage differs from the past meanings.

How does the current meaning of marriage differ from the past?

The phrase marriage is now used to describe relationships between two individuals. However, historically, marriages were meant to unite families.

Further, the concept of marriage, which is understood today, can be confusing at both interpersonal and legal levels because expectations of couples in a marital union have evolved.

Moreover, marriages in the past have always been alliances negotiated by families rather than two individuals.

Even though marriage practices differed from societies to societies, one thing that remained common was that families were given privilege, not individuals.

Therefore, when two people got married, they connected with the entire family together.

However, this notion has changed today. The modern romantic unions may not truly be considered traditional marriages. It may be called a new social practice which is yet to be fully understood.

What were the objectives of traditional marriage?

Traditionally, the primary objective of marriage was to bring families together in order to expand their influence, wealth, and security in the present and future. 

This meant that heterosexual couples were expected to fulfill their duty of producing children, as it was not considered optional.

Further, since marriages were aimed at increasing the families’ reach in society, it was forbidden to marry certain categories of kin. These types of marriages were considered as incest.

Moreover, the kinsfolk with whom marriages are disallowed differ from society to society. For example, in some states in northern India, marriage between those who have a common great grandfather is not permitted.

Among the seven vows in Hindu marriage, there are at least three where the couple promise to look after their elders and a fifth one to produce and take care of their own progeny.

In Islam, from the early ritual of Imam Zamin among Shias right up to nikaah, the families of the bride and groom are closely involved.

Similarly, in Europe, until the late 18th century, parents would arrange betrothals for their children from infancy.

In traditional societies, the question of marriage was never solely driven by pure romance.

Hence, when dating emerged as a practice, many moralists in 19th-century America, including some feminists, believed that it posed a threat to morality.

They feared that this would undermine families and lead to an increase in abortions, if people were given the freedom to pursue romantic relationships.

What can be the way ahead?

The increasing prevalence of romantic unions between two individuals represents a significant shift in modern history.

Labelling these unions as “marriages” can challenge the traditional perception on family-centric considerations such as restrictions on who one can marry, inheritance rights, and the notion of legitimate offspring.