Page 93 - IJPS-11-2

International Journal of
Population Studies Multigenerational evaluation of globalization

increased, and the influence of parents in their children’s The use of technology in the partner selection process
marriage has decreased considerably compared to the has increased significantly, whether through matrimonial
past. Globalization has also led to immense changes in sites or dating apps (Agrawal, 2015). Matrimonial sites,
the process of mate selection. The age at which people which provide online platforms for individuals and
get married has increased, the age gap between partners families to search for prospective partners based on various
has decreased, and the acceptance of love marriages has criteria, such as caste, religion, education, and occupation,
risen. Additionally, there has been an increased use of have gained popularity recently. Similarly, dating apps,
matrimonial sites and dating apps, along with an increase which allow individuals to meet and interact with potential
in dating culture in India. Over the years, the age at which partners based on mutual interests and compatibility, have
people get married has increased. For women, the number gained prominence among urban Indian youth. In 2022,
of marriages under the age of 18 has declined significantly, India emerged as the fifth fastest-growing market in year-
from 65.9% in 1992 – 1993 to 23.2% in 2019 – 2021 (Singh over-year growth in dating app spending. Compared to
et al., 2023). In traditional Indian society, the age difference 2021, Indians spent $31 million more on dating apps in
between spouses was generally higher, with men being 2022 (Dazeinfo, 2023). Dating culture, once considered
older than women. However, with globalization, the age taboo in Indian society, is now becoming more accepted,
difference in Indian marriages has decreased from seven to especially among the younger generation.
under five over the past 60 years (Banerjee, 2022). Globalization has also helped to open up the world for
Research shows that arranged marriage—a practice Indians, leading to various career opportunities available
found largely in Asia and Africa in which parents and for today’s children compared to the past. Most participants
other family members select their children’s spouses— agree that parents now give their children more freedom
was expected to be replaced by Western-style marriage, in of choice regarding their careers. However, some parents
which young people choose their own spouses (Allendorf still envision specific career paths for their children
& Pandian, 2016). Love marriages are gaining more (mainly professional courses in medical, engineering,
acceptance and momentum in Indian society. The increase and technology fields) and force their children to achieve
in love marriages can be attributed to changing attitudes their parent’s dreams. These parents push their children
toward relationships, greater autonomy, heightened to tuition centers and coaching academies to “get ahead”
exposure to Western ideals, increased social mobility, of the competition. In India, 26% of students participated
evolving gender roles, advances in technology and social in private coaching, of which 1.5% underwent coaching
media, and urbanization. to prepare for examinations (Ministry of Statistics and
Program Implementation, 2016), and 71 million students
All the generations univocally agree that the divorce are enrolled in private tuition according to a survey
rate is increasing, but their outlook on this issue differs. conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization
Pre-G believes that divorces are no longer taboo as they (Varma, 2016).
were in the past. They also feel that staying in abusive
relationships is unnecessary, which they see as a positive Another phenomenon that has increased recently is the
change. However, they still lament the decreasing value of trend of Indians going abroad for education and careers.
marital relationships. Trans-G strongly believes that the According to the “International Migration 2020 Highlights”
lack of mutual adjustments between partners contributes by the Population Division of the United Nations
to the rising divorce rates. They also cite increased Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in 2020,
individual autonomy as a reason for the increase in 18 million Indians were residing abroad, making India the
divorces. On the other hand, Cont-G feels that divorce is country with the greatest diaspora population (Economic
being normalized. They acknowledge the importance of Times, 2023). Globalization can be attributed to the
leaving unhealthy relationships, which need not always increasing number of Indians pursuing careers abroad due
be abusive, for one’s mental health. Globalization might to economic factors, education and skill enhancement,
have also played a crucial role in this sudden increase in cultural exposure, and the impact on the Indian workforce.
divorce rates. Changing social norms and values due to In summation, our study chronicles the transitions in
globalization have resulted in greater individualism and attitudes and behavior concerning family relationships,
self-expression, leading to increased agency and autonomy marital systems, and career choices among Indians. It also
among individuals, including women. Pursuing personal highlights how participants from different generations
aspirations, independence, and self-fulfillment has led to a perceive these changes differently. The differences in the
shift in attitudes toward marriage and family relationships, opinions across the multigenerational participants can be
with less tolerance for marital discord or unhappiness. attributed to many social, economic, political, and cultural

Volume 11 Issue 2 (2025) 87 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2404