Answer:

Marriage and family institutions are the repositories of the core values of the Indian society. These institutions are still seen as a social legitimation to have children . We can see the domination of patriarchal values and feudal mindsets in these institutions. However, under the impact of socio-economic changes and legislations, they are undergoing many changes.

Factors influencing change and continuity in Marriage and family institutions

♤ Economic Changes

o Industrialisation and Urbanisation: Growth of cities and city culture have a direct impact on the family and marriage.

 modern industries have lessened the economic functions of the family and led to the replacement of Joint family structure with Nuclear families.

 Status of women in the family has improved as they have become more educated and started working, thus along with other male members in the family ,they also now have a say in family issues.

 In partner selection, job and salary are given more importance, than the family background , caste or religion. Also the online matrimonial sites have come up which has reduced the role of elders of the family.

 To fulfil career and individual ambitions , “delayed marriages” and “long – distance marriages” have become a common feature

 Marriage is often held in cities more as a social or a civil ceremony than a religious ceremony. The duration of marriage ceremony is also cut short in the city . Elaborate customs are either avoided or shortened ; court marriages preferred.

 In cities, the cases of divorce , desertion , separation , broken families etc alongwith pre-marital and extra-marital sex relations are seen.