भारत में विवाह संस्था, नेत्री वि विषयादी उपभोग और उत्तरवादी का केंद्र बनती जा रही है। सामाजिक समता और लैंगिक संबंध पर इस व्यवसायीकरण के प्रभाव का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) / 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)

Becoming site of conspicuous consumption and commodification

1. Digital dowry — increases in adarsh based on digital life i.e. no. of followers.

2. Increased spending → on pre-marriage photoshoot → past marriages → costly honeymoons.

3. wastage of food → a survey highlighted 40% wastage in large events

4. marriage for "women" — increasing trend - leading to lack of trust in marriages

5. saplesski and middle-class (eg) Lacila Fernandez - study on stylious spending culture of middle income couples.

6. event management — food to decoration to photography to makeup. → increasing consumption.

Impact on social equity and gender relations

1. As digitalized, increase dowry demand.

2. changes in marriage structure (eg) LAT - Living alone together

3. No kids "DINKS" - dual income no kids

4. increasing infidelity → divorced rate in metros 7 by 50/

5. Burden on middle-class people/family — increasing debt. — SMI culture / homeless etc — car loans.

6. Lack of intimacy between the couple — leading lack of communication

7. Increasing abuse cases against men → "Abhi Suharsh case" — harassment for alimony.

8. Lack of trust in marriage for future generations.

9. In crease in open marriages (eg) Motion, USA.

— Kiran Kamate · AIR 53