SS

Saurabh SharmaAIR 146

Question 18Critically examine the impact of commercialisation on social equity and gender relationsGS1GS1

The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commercialisation on social equity and gender relations. (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.47)

Introduction

As per UN definition, traditionally marriage is a social institution and a "sacrament" - i.e divine union of two souls.

20 words

Main Body

As per UN definition, traditionally marriage is a social institution and a "sacrament" - i.e divine union of two souls.

Due to:

Modernalization
Urbanization
Individualism

This institution has become site of:

1Conspicuous Consumption - (eg) Flaunting opulence & wealth - Ananth Ambani wedding (2024)
2Commodification - (eg) Dethalization wedding concept

Impact on Social equity:

Economic event manages etc.

Positive effects:

1Opportunities create livelihood options for marginalized sections
2Upward mobility for marginalized sections
3Skeletalisation as a means to uplift social status
4Fulfilling aspirations & facilitates cohesive tie

Negative:

1Erodes social sanctity of marriage
2Widens social inequity through exploitation by marginalized sections
Leading to poverty, owing to big fat weddings

Impact on Gender Relations:

Positive:

1Foster trust & shared joy
2Minimize Gender disparities through equal participation

Negative:

1Dowry harassment due to commercialisation (eg) Newly wed bride in Chennai committed suicide due to dowry violence
2Objectification of relations - leading to use in divorce, marital breakdown

Marriage must evolve, but not be allowed to be reduced to a mere transaction, in order to sustain social fabric of India

191 words12 paragraphs3 bullet points

Conclusion

Marriage must evolve, but not be allowed to be reduced to a mere transaction, in order to sustain social fabric of India

22 words

  • Strong opening with UN definition
  • Use of contemporary example (Ananth Ambani wedding)
  • Clear identification of causes (Modernalization, Urbanization, Individualism)
  • Balanced presentation of positive and negative impacts
  • Clear categorization of impacts on social equity vs gender relations
  • Specific examples of societal outcomes
  • Strong conclusion emphasizing social fabric
  • Use of case study (Chennai suicide case)
  • Clear negative impacts enumerated

Topper

Saurabh Sharma

AIR 146

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Women

Marriage as social institution and commodification

Writing Stats

233

Total words

12

Paragraphs

3

Bullets

analytical and critical

Tone