Page 90 - IJPS-11-2

International Journal of
Population Studies Multigenerational evaluation of globalization

cohesion, reduced intimacy, and unstable relationships. Furthermore, the intercaste, interstate marriage is
They also reflected that families are becoming increasingly increasing more than before.” (ID_28/22/F)
materialistic and that there is a decrease in communication The apprehension toward engaging in a committed
between parents and children due to social media use. romantic relationship is clearly visible in Cont-G. They find
“Earlier, people were very connected with families, it difficult to trust their partner for fear of being exploited.
were close to them, and had consistent contact with Furthermore, the younger generation fears losing their
all. The emotional bonding that family members have independence and free will once they are in a relationship.
with each other is decreasing. Everybody is restricting “It seems that the younger generation has a fear of
themselves to self and is having an individualistic starting a romantic relationship. Especially in the
attitude.” (ID_22/23/M) case of girls, they fear that they will be financially or
3.6.3. Shift toward positive parenting sexually exploited, which prevents them from entering
a relationship.” (ID_25/23/M)
Parenting has changed considerably in a positive direction
over the past decades. Previously, parents were rigid, The use of technology in partner selection is another
focusing on discipline and obedience, which often instilled important aspect where generational variations can be
fear in children. However, the transformation is now evident. observed. Participants reported that online matrimonial
Cont-G feels that today’s parents lean toward an authoritative platforms and dating apps are increasingly used to seek
potential matches. This technology interface allows
parenting style and provide space for discussion.
people to meet compatible people without geographical
“Parenting has changed from the earlier ways. limitations. Participants from both Pre-G and Trans-G also
Nowadays, parents try to communicate openly with reported that live-in relationships are gaining popularity
their children. Now, it has evolved from obedience and are used as a precursor to marriage to get to know
to a friendly way of parenting. Before the parents, each other. They also opined that homosexual/same-sex
even though they loved their children, they were not relationships are gaining more acceptance in India despite
ready to express themselves. However, today, parents strict social sanctions and discrimination.
openly express their emotions to their children. They “The trend of dating apps and matrimonial sites
appreciate standing by their children.” (ID_21/22/M) are increasing. People choose their partners from

3.7. Changes in matrimonial arrangements and these online platforms. Many romantic relationships
partner selection and marriages started from these applications.”
(ID_26/25/F)
The matrimonial process and how Indian young adults
choose their partners have been a matter of curiosity for “Young people prefer living together in relationships
researchers, evidenced by the growing body of research nowadays over marriage. This might be the future
on this topic. Our results clearly show that marital agency aspect of marriage where the number of marriages
and arrangements have varied over time. Participants will be less.” (ID_10/67/F)
reported that the age difference between partners has “Homosexual relationships are increasing, and they
shrunk significantly, and individuals can now decide when are opening to society more. Even though homosexual
and whom to marry. They also reported that it is no longer marriages are not legal in India, it will become in the
common for parents to force their daughters to marry near future.” (ID_15/46/M)
early. Individuals are also allowed to marry later in life,
typically after they have completed their education and 3.8. Increased divorces
achieved financial stability. Compared to earlier times, All three generations concur that the number of divorces
the number of love marriages, inter-caste, and even inter- has significantly increased recently, and they shared that
religious marriages are becoming more common. the value of the marriage institution has decreased. Even
though some educated and progressive people in Pre-G
“Earlier in grandparents’ generation, the age gap have begun to normalize divorce, both the Pre-G and
between partners was 10 to 12 years; in our parents’ Trans-G are not happy about the increased divorce rate.
generations, it was 4 to 8 years. However, in our They view divorce as evil and still consider it taboo. They
generation, this has decreased even more; some people blame those who seek divorce for not having the ability to
marry partners of the same age.” (ID_21/22/M)
make compromises or adjustments to maintain the family
“The number of love marriages increased, and it has in the long run. However, the Cont-G has shown a very
become more acceptable than the previous generations. positive attitude toward divorce. They have even stepped

Volume 11 Issue 2 (2025) 84 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2404