The Not so Holy Matrimony
The Not so Holy Matrimony
By Roshan Rathod
Gender, Culture and Development
University of Pune
Introduction:
The theme of this essay is to highlight the modernity of the traditional ‘arranged marriage’ practices and its economics in the Marwari Jain community while looking at the larger Indian (read Hindu) culture. It is with the motive of highlighting the ‘structural violence’ that one is subjected to as a result of this practice by legitimizing it with culture. Structural violence refers to the methodical ways in which social structures or institutions harm or otherwise disadvantage individuals. (Burtle) But it is important to first clarify the meaning of ‘violence’ as used in this paper. After an intense discussion with my sister and father, I realised that it is the intent and not the outcome of the act that is violent or otherwise. It is so normalised, entrenched and invisible that the one experiencing it is at times oblivious to it. This is a result of the conditioning of the mind as a result of one’s history, upbringing and culture. It is with the backing of ‘culture’, that violence even in its most extreme form is justified. This essay provides data on the historical overview of this community as it is always important to see the social, economic and cultural location of the same to understand it in the context of totality.
Reason for selection of the theme:
Indian ‘culture’, especially to a woman centres around the day that prince charming will come and sweep you off your feet. Unfortunately, this type of marriage is not the one that fairy-tales are made of. This practice in my land is called an ‘arranged marriage’. Now one may feel that this topic has been talked about, discussed, analysed time and again and has become redundant now. But grand, lavish ‘weddings’ have been an integral part of the Marwari Jain identity and is therefore always worthy of assessment. While looking at the arranged marriage practice in general, this essay will attempt
By Roshan Rathod
Gender, Culture and Development
University of Pune
Introduction:
The theme of this essay is to highlight the modernity of the traditional ‘arranged marriage’ practices and its economics in the Marwari Jain community while looking at the larger Indian (read Hindu) culture. It is with the motive of highlighting the ‘structural violence’ that one is subjected to as a result of this practice by legitimizing it with culture. Structural violence refers to the methodical ways in which social structures or institutions harm or otherwise disadvantage individuals. (Burtle) But it is important to first clarify the meaning of ‘violence’ as used in this paper. After an intense discussion with my sister and father, I realised that it is the intent and not the outcome of the act that is violent or otherwise. It is so normalised, entrenched and invisible that the one experiencing it is at times oblivious to it. This is a result of the conditioning of the mind as a result of one’s history, upbringing and culture. It is with the backing of ‘culture’, that violence even in its most extreme form is justified. This essay provides data on the historical overview of this community as it is always important to see the social, economic and cultural location of the same to understand it in the context of totality.
Reason for selection of the theme:
Indian ‘culture’, especially to a woman centres around the day that prince charming will come and sweep you off your feet. Unfortunately, this type of marriage is not the one that fairy-tales are made of. This practice in my land is called an ‘arranged marriage’. Now one may feel that this topic has been talked about, discussed, analysed time and again and has become redundant now. But grand, lavish ‘weddings’ have been an integral part of the Marwari Jain identity and is therefore always worthy of assessment. While looking at the arranged marriage practice in general, this essay will attempt
Bibliography: Alladi, A. (2009, August 23). The counterintuitive economics of Marwari weddings. Retrieved from http://ulyssesmusings.blogspot.in: http://ulyssesmusings.blogspot.in/2009/08/counterintuitive-economics-of-marwari.html Burtle, A Donner, H. (2012, May). Anthropology of this century. Retrieved from http://aotcpress.com: http://aotcpress.com/articles/love-marriage-globally/ Hardgrove, A Jain, S. (2013, February 7). His wedding experience. (R. Rathod, Interviewer) Majumdar, R Mukhopadhyay, M. (2012, October 27). Matchmakers and Intermediation : Marriage in Contemporary Kolkata. Economic and Political Weekly. Samita Sen, R. B. (2011). Intimate Others : Marriage and Sexualities in India. STREE. Solanki, P. (2013, February 12). Her pre wedding experience. (R. Rathod, Interviewer) Uberoi, P