The Transformation of the Institution of Marriage in India and the Role of Dating Apps

Abstract

Marriage has deep-rooted religious, cultural, and familial importance in traditional Indian society. Since many centuries, arrange marriages have been the most common and preferred marriage norm where families make partner selection which can be based on religion, social status, or cast. But recently there is constant change in institution of marriage with factors like more emphasis on increased autonomy in selection of partner, shift in gender roles, and recent technological advancements influencing this change. Of all these influences, dating apps have been the disruptive factor. It has redefined relationship norms and reshaped conventional matchmaking processes. This editorial discusses about past and present of marriage system in India along with effect of dating apps on it and challenges associated with dating apps.

Introduction

Marriage has deep-rooted religious, cultural, and familial importance in traditional Indian society. ¹ Since many centuries, arrange marriages have been the most common and preferred marriage norm where families make partner selection which can be based on religion, social status, or cast. ² But recently there is constant change in institution of marriage with factors like more emphasis on increased autonomy in selection of partner, shift in gender roles, and recent technological advancements influencing this change. Of all these influences, dating apps have been the disruptive factor. ³ It has redefined relationship norms and reshaped conventional matchmaking processes. ⁴

This editorial discusses about past and present of marriage system in India along with effect of dating apps on it and challenges associated with dating apps.

1. Traditional Indian marriage system

Traditionally and culturally, in India marriage has been viewed as a social and religious obligation than an individual’s choice. Most marriages were arranged marriages with families in the central role of matchmaking. Religion, caste, financial and social status were given more emphasis in this process. Family approval for marriage was considered essential, and love marriages were mostly discouraged. ⁵

If we see from Hindu point of view, then marriage was considered a sacred union instead of a contractual arrangement. All the ceremonies performed during wedding have more deep symbolic significance about merging of two families rather than just two individuals. In this system, these were given little space for personal preferences or individual agency. ⁶

2. Gradual decline of arranged marriages

Even today arranged marriage is a dominant practice but gradually their prevalence is decreasing and in urban areas this change is more evident. As per different studies, in Indian cities now 30% to 40% of marriages are now as per personal choices instead of conventional matchmaking. ⁷

Factors leading to this shift are as follows:

Educational and career aspirations: Due to more easy and increased access to education (particularly women), now individual focus on their careers and personal development before thinking or planning about marriage.

Urbanization: Because of exposure to different cultures and views in urban areas, there have been changing views on marriage and relationships.

Media influence: Mass media and easy Internet availability have introduced new perspectives which lead individuals to think and prioritize more about attraction and compatibility than societal obligations. ⁸

3. Increase in marriage age

Different legal reforms and evolving social views have influenced marriage age. Laws like Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929, amended in 1978) and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) have played key roles as they have set minimum marriageable age of 18 years for females and 21 for males. Education and career growth are more focused areas in young people than marriage leading to delay in marriages.^9,10

4. Growing acceptance of divorce and alternative relationships

Divorce and live-in relationships were previously considered unacceptable and stigmatized in Indian society. But now divorce is easily accepted due to growing financial independence and evolving gender roles. Divorce rates, particularly in urban areas, have increased by 200% in last two decades. Live-in relationships are also on the rise and India’s Supreme Court’s judgement in favor of protecting rights of couple with long-term live-in relationship further challenging traditional marital norms. ¹¹

The influence of dating apps on marriage in India

In recent years, platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid have gained importance in Indian society. They have changed how people meet and select life partners. They are not just for casual dating but have significant effect on marriage-related trends, individual autonomy, and social dynamics. ¹²

1. Expanding partner selection beyond traditional boundaries

These dating apps have ability to surpass societal limitations such as caste, religion, and regional background. They even surpass distance to connect with different individuals. So, because of the ability to connect with more diverse range of potential partners, importance and reliance on family or community for purpose of matchmaking are decreasing. Research shows that 40% of young Indians engaging with dating apps and their long-term relationships sometimes may lead to marriage. ¹³

2. Emphasizing compatibility over social status

In contrast to arranged marriages, which focus more on financial security and family standing, individuals on dating apps have more priority on compatibility, emotional connections, and common interests. This change shows relationships are now more based on mutual preferences than societal obligation driven unions. These dating apps now provide individual with opportunity to interact, develop connections, and assess compatibility before making any serious commitments. ¹⁴

3. Increase in inter-caste and inter-religious marriages

Historically in India, inter-caste and inter-religious unions were discouraged but dating apps have facilitated rise of these marriages. As indicated by different studies, compared to conventional methods, those couples who meet through dating apps are around 20% more likely to be in inter-caste marriages. This also shows new societal trend towards better acceptance of diverse relationships. ¹⁵

4. More priority on career and delay in marriage

As more diverse age group individuals are available on these dating apps, so it allows young Indians to delay marriage while focusing on career development. Most professionals now prefer to establish their careers before commitment of marriage and these dating platforms provide them an opportunity to explore relationships at a more comfortable pace. ¹⁶

5. Redefining gender roles in relationships

In traditional marriage system where women had limited influence in selection of their partner, these dating apps have empowered women by giving them better opportunities to select their romantic partner. Apps like Bumble where women initiate conversation break traditional gender norms and promote equality in relationships. ¹⁷

Challenges and Concerns Associated with Dating Apps

Despite certain benefits, these dating apps have their own drawbacks.

1. Superficial interactions and the “Swipe Culture”

Individuals on dating apps often prioritize physical appearance over emotional connections, leading to superficial interactions and quick judgments based on profile pictures, which weaken emotional bonds. ¹⁸

2. Prevalence of fraud and fake profiles

Many users misrepresent themselves on these apps that generate unrealistic expectations and eventually leading to trust issues. Online dating scams are increasing with cases of identity theft and financial frauds using these apps as a medium are on the rise. So, there is ongoing challenge for these platforms to ensure security and authenticity. ⁴

3. Increased commitment issues and casual relationships

With increasing opportunity to meet large number of potential matches, some users develop commitment issues, due to this, many individuals prefer short-term relationships than long-term commitments. Studies shows that frequent dating app users may have issues with maintaining stable relationships which affect traditional values associated with marriages. ⁴

4. Safety concerns for women

Harassment, stalking, and even physical harm especially for women are significant security risks while using dating apps. Online dating-related crimes are rising, so there is need for dating platforms to implement strong safety measures to protect its users. ¹⁹

Conclusion

Marriage system in India is going through significant change. Arranged marriages are still key part of Indian culture, but dating apps are playing key role in modernizing dynamics of relationships. These apps have expanded choices for partner selection, redefined gender roles in romantic relationships, and increased inter-caste or inter-religious marriages.

Dating apps have their own issues in form of superficial interactions, commitment-related issues, and safety concerns. As Indian society will evolve, in future marriages will mix tradition with modernity which would provide individual more freedom in selecting relationships while still respecting cultural values.

Current marriage system in India highlights its dynamic and ever-changing nature. Love, tradition, and technology intersect in this system. In an increasingly digital world, dating apps have contributed significantly to this change and have created newer opportunities for relationships and companionships.