Dissecting Hindu arranged marriages – an analysis of the link between religious belief and gender inequality.

Abstract

Hindu communities around the world place great emphasis on marriage, as a rite of passage of human life. For whatever reason, marriages have traditionally been arranged by the parents of the bride and groom, leaving little scope for them to find a partner on their own. This research aims to explore the processes and notions behind such “arranged” marriages, and the implications they have on women in particular – perceived to be at the losing end of this patriarchal structure. I find that Hinduism may no longer play a significant role in the decision to facilitate or have an arranged marriage and that any gender inequality may actually be perceived by outsiders; rather than be truly experienced by the subjects involved. I use recurring themes of being “settled” and power relations to showcase how Hindu women naturalize the supposed unequal institution of marriage.