Attitudes and Perceptions of Generation Z towards Intercaste Marriage
Dr Vandana Singh
, Dr Nirupma Saini
Key words: Generation Z (Gen Z), intercaste marriage, attitudes, social norms
ABSTRACT
Marriage in India is not merely a union between two individuals, but a social institution deeply rooted in traditions, cultural expectations, and, significantly, the caste system. Intercaste marriages- unions between individuals of different caste backgrounds have historically faced resistance due to entrenched societal norms, family pressures, and concerns over social status and community honor. However, with rapid modernization, increased access to education, and the influence of global values, younger generations are beginning to challenge these traditional boundaries.
This research examines the attitude and problems surrounding intercaste marriage among Gen Z respondents. Results indicates that although young people have in general an open and welcoming attitude towards intercaste marriage, their decisions continue to be significantly under the control of social pressure, family expectations, and cultural norms. Significantly, women respondents indicate encountering higher resistance through conventional familial adjustment expectations, particularly in the household of the husband, where stricter caste norms may prevail. Women tend to encounter emotional and social consequences involving family honor and conservative tradition. Male respondents, on the other hand, have a tendency to face economic issues, including inheritance and dowry-related problems, but experience fewer cultural adaptation pressures.
In spite of these impediments, the extent of personal opposition to intercaste marriage among Gen Z is comparatively low, showing a move away from well-entrenched caste ideals toward more individualized and forward-looking attitudes. The major obstacles continue to be external—grounded in public mores and family authority—instead of personal resistance. The research points toward the promise of this generation, with proper support from families, education, and social institutions, to overcome caste divisions and help shape changing marital norms in India.
"Attitudes and Perceptions of Generation Z towards Intercaste Marriage", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.b22-b31, September-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509104.pdf
Volume 10
Issue 9,
September-2025
Pages : b22-b31
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_304932
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2509104
Downloads: 000145
Research Area: Social Science All
Country: Yamunanagar, Haryana, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56975/ijsdr.v10i9.304932
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
