Question 18GS1GS1
The institution of marriage in India is increasingly becoming a site of conspicuous consumption and commodification. Critically examine the impact of this commodification on social equity and gender relations.
Main Body
Marriage as per Mudoch, a social institution for sharing of asset, reproductive function among men & women
Institution of marriage a list of conspicuous consumption and commodification:
1Big Fat Wedding, trend as status symbol @ Ambani wedding @2025
2Destination wedding on rise: with focus on max spending @ visit kohli marriage
3Reduce s ceremonial value, focus on luxury
4Marriage market an rise CAGR 2025%
Positive impact on social equity:
1Are in inter-caste marriage as marriage not bound by old-caste @ secularization
2S.T. inter-caste marriage (NPNM)
3Sanctification and dilution of ritual so becoming similar → social equity
Negative:
1Relative deprivation: among poor as caste afford big wedding class status
2Focus now on class-centric marriage so concentration of wealth → rich-rich marriage → mass inequality
3Marriage burden can bring bride family into loan, poverty eg @2025 later status suicide
4Denied marriage of high cost by agency due to caste → panda inequality (Gender - relation)
Positive:
1Are in inter-caste marriage as marriage not bound by old-caste @ due to secularization
2S.T. inter-caste marriage (NPNM)
3Sanctification and dilution of ritual so becoming similar → social equity
Negative:
1Relative deprivation: among poor as caste afford big wedding class status
2Focus now on class-centric marriage so concentration of wealth → rich-rich marriage → mass inequality
3Marriage burden can bring bride family into loan, poverty eg @2025 later status suicide
4Denied marriage of high cost by agency due to caste → panda inequality (Gender - relation)
Positive:
1Are in inter-caste marriage as marriage not bound by old-caste @ due to secularization
2S.T. inter-caste marriage (NPNM)
3Sanctification and dilution of ritual so becoming similar → social equity
Negative:
1Relative deprivation: among poor as caste afford big wedding class status
2Focus now on class-centric marriage so concentration of wealth → rich-rich marriage → mass inequality
3Marriage burden can bring bride family into loan, poverty eg @2025 later status suicide
4Denied marriage of high cost by agency due to caste → panda inequality (Gender - relation)
Thus, marriage is become (hybrid) with both old form (sati-phase/valet) and new (Destination ing Ceremony).
368 words15 paragraphs
- Clearly defines marriage in sociological terms
- Uses contemporary examples (Ambani wedding, destination wedding trends)
- Structures both positive and negative impacts
- References CAGR data
- Connects to broader issues like inequality and caste
- Concludes with synthesis showing marriage becoming hybrid institution
- Balances positive and negative impacts
- Connects commodification to concrete social outcomes
Topper
Aakash Om Trivedi
AIR 732024
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Salient features of Indian Society - Marriage Institution
Role of Women and Women's Organization
Marriage as institution, commodification, social equity and gender relations
Writing Stats
368
Total words
15
Paragraphs
Academic/Analytical
Tone