Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The interplay between live-in relationships and gender issues further emphasizes the obstacles faced by women.4 Traditional patriarchal standards frequently disadvantage women in these relationships, making them more vulnerable due to financial dependence, societal scrutiny, and limited legal options.While men in live-in arrangements may experience fewer repercussions, women often carry the extra burden of pursuing justice while dealing with social stigmatization.This conversation regarding live-in relationships also connects to larger discussions about the advancement of family law and its adaptability to shifting social contexts.Conventional family 3 Charles A. Reich, The New Property, 73 Yale L.J. 733, 737-38 (1964).4 Catharine A. MacKinnon, Feminism, Marxism, Method, and the State: An Agenda for Theory, 7 Signs 515, 520 (1982).law systems, grounded in patriarchal and heteronormative beliefs, often neglect to recognize the varied types of relationships that define modern society.The lack of inclusive legal frameworks not only places women and children in live-in relationships at risk but also underscores the pressing need for legal reforms that emphasize equity, justice, and dignity. II. INDIAN CULTURE VS LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPSThe clash between traditional Indian values and live-in arrangements highlights the complex relationship between cultural principles and contemporary influences.While Indian society places great importance on marriage and family, the rise in cohabiting partnerships reflects evolving social dynamics and individual choices.Bridging these contrasting perspectives requires an openminded approach that respects cultural traditions while also accepting the diversity of modern relationships.By fostering dialogue, understanding, and legal protections, Indian society can evolve to embrace new norms without sacrificing its cultural heritage.Indian culture, deeply embedded in its traditions, values, and social norms, places a high value on marriage as the fundamental element of family and societal life.Marriage is viewed as a sacred and enduring bond that connects not only two individuals but also their families.In this framework, live-in relationships-where two people live together without formalizing their union through marriage-challenge established ideals, igniting discussions on morality, legality, and societal acceptance. 1) 5 Cultural Importance of Marriage in India-Marriage in India is more than a personal vow; it serves as a social, religious, and cultural institution.It is associated with rituals, traditions, and religious significance, representing the union of two souls.The family unit, which underpins Indian society, is typically built around marriage.Key cultural principles like duty (dharma), responsibility, and lineage are strongly connected to marital bonds.Married individuals are perceived as fulfilling societal expectations, whereas those who diverge from this convention-such as those in live-in relationships-are often seen as challenging the established social order.Furthermore, marriage is regarded as providing a legitimate framework for procreation and raising children, thereby reinforcing its significance in Indian culture.2) 6 Live-In Relationships: A Contemporary Viewpoint-Live-in relationships offer an alternative to marriage, defined by mutual consent and personal freedom.They provide individuals the chance 5 Nancy Fraser, Rethinking the Public Sphere: A Contribution to the Critique of Actually Existing Democracy, 25 Soc.Text 56, 60 (1990).6 Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital, 6 J. Democracy 65, 70 (1995).to engage in companionship and intimacy without the formal obligations associated with marriage.This arrangement appeals to urban, educated, and financially independent individuals who prioritize personal compatibility, autonomy, and flexibility over conventional marital structures.Worldwide, live-in relationships are increasingly accepted as a modern choice.Nonetheless, in India, they continue to be a contentious issue, mainly due to their perceived discord with traditional cultural values.3) Conflict of Ideals: Indian Culture vs. Live-In Relationships-The tension between Indian cultural values and live-in relationships arises from several core differences: Moral and Social Perspectives: In Indian society, live-in relationships are frequently associated with moral decline, promiscuity, or a lack of commitment.Individuals in such scenarios, particularly women, face judgment, alienation, and even harassment.This moral policing originates from the belief that live-in relationships diminish the sanctity of marriage and disrupt traditional societal structures.
Author: Aditya Rathore
Institution: Amity University
Language: English
Topic: Family and Matrimonial Law
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410965319