Gender Studies Research: Effects of Inter-Caste Marriages on Women

This research project, conducted by students of Fatima Jinnah Women University, explores the effects of inter-caste marriages on women, particularly within the South Asian context. The study investigates the prevalence of inter-caste marriages, contrasting endogamy and exogamy, and analyzing both positive and negative outcomes. It delves into the historical and societal implications of the caste system, referencing literature on the topic. The methodology includes a problem statement, objectives, hypothesis, and analysis of findings, with a focus on the challenges, such as coping issues and social acceptance. The paper also examines the influence of modernization and globalization on attitudes toward inter-caste marriages, as well as the role of government policies. The conclusion emphasizes the need for further research and recommends strategies for promoting equality and reducing social disparities. The paper also includes a literature review, methodology, results and findings, discussion, conclusion, and recommendations based on the research conducted.

Fatimah Jinnah women university
Research project
Topic :Effects of Intercast Marriage
Submitted to:Ms Tehmina Yaqoob
Submitted by
Samrina bibi
Kanza mazhar
Minami Nishumura
Department:Gender Studies
Semester:Master 2nd
Course :Skills For Research

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First of all we would like to express our gratitude to Allah Almighty who blessed us with the
strength and ability to complete this task. We would like to thank Ms.Tehmina Yaqoob who
provided us with help and guidance through different stages of research. This research paper is a
joint effort of Kanza Mazhar, Samrina Bibi,and Minami Nishimura from the Department of
Gender Studies, Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi.

ABSTRACT
The topic conducted for the research was “Effects of inter-caste marriages on women.”The
reason for highlighting such issues is that these practices still exist and are still a part of our
society and are very prevalent in the South Asian region. The study has shown both positive and
negative results. The concept of caste is very strong and deviations from the set pattern lead to
conflict. The caste system has its pros and cons. The results of our research showed that most of
the respondents favored the caste marriages.

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER NO.1
INTRODUCTION
LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER NO.2
METHODOLOGY
 Problem statement
 Objectives
 Hypothesis
 Sample
 Sampling Techniques
 Tools
 Procedure
 Analysis
CHAPTER NO.3
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 Recommendations
 References
INTRODUCTION

Marriage is a legal relationship between two genders. There are different types of marriages like
love marriages, arrange marriages and inter caste marriages etc.
The main focus of our research is to highlight the concept of caste marriages.
Endogamy and Exogamy are two types of caste marriages. Endogamy means marriage within
one’s own caste whereas, Exogamy means marrying outside the caste.
Inter caste marriages are very common element of not only our society but the
Indian society or we can call it that the concept is very much prevalent in the South Asian
societies. The concept is more rigid in rural areas where the norm follows the set pattern, and any
deviation from these patterns leads to violation, humiliation, rejection, disgrace and
segregation on the parts of parents and the other people connected to the couple. In urban
societies, people are much more resilient and accepting such views. It is with modernization and
globalization that people are accepting certain views regarding the inter caste marriages.
Now the most important thing in this regard is that it has certain positive as well as
negative impacts. Marrying in the same caste helps because people who are to be couple, belong
to almost similar patterns and same ethical values; they do not have to adopt different concepts
apart from the ones that girls usually adopt when they enter a new environment. It brings
harmony among not only two individuals but also between two families. Inter-caste marriages
also lead to some problems as well such as infertility and abnormalities among children whereas,
marrying outside the caste leads to some problems such as coping issues. The two people have
difference of opinion, thoughts and many other things which make it difficult to manage, and
either it is the religious difference or any other difference which leads to some kind of uneasiness
in the relationship where as it also brings two people of different identities together, it brings in
the concept of equality and fairness. The government of India is also promoting marriages
between Brahmans and Shudras. As the two have huge gap one is considered an upper class
where as the standard of shudras can be recognized from the word “untouchables.”But this is the
best way reduce social differences among people belonging to entirely different classes.
LITERATURE REVIEW

The important components of the south Asian society including Pakistan and India are caste and
religion. These two systems are the norms of the society which if not followed creates walls and
distances among societal groups .with modernization and globalization a lot of change is being
brought in the overall setup. Marriages within the same caste and ethnic groups are customary,
where as exogamy is not socially accepted marriages are considered to be an important social
custom and remove barriers of caste, race, and ethnicity. India’s progress is being hindered
primarily because of the two social menaces of caste and religious discrimination. Caste system
is so rigid and stringent and has existed in the Indian society since ages. It is deeply rooted in
their system and even today they are struggling hard to eliminate these differences. Alot of time
is required to eradicate this system as it has become a taboo, as it is very much prevalent and
practiced in the backward and rural Indian societies majorly India. The writer has majorly relied
upon the writings of Kennan and kapadia.
kannan (1963) has studied the phenomena of intercaste marriages in Bombay. According to him
the barriers regarding the rigid concept of class are certainly becoming weak and people are
moving forward to it. They are becoming broad minded and accepting ideas which previously
they did not. In the hierarchical system the Brahmas occupying the top position are most opposed
to it whereas the ayasthas, baidyas and other Hindus are liberal. The rigidity and conservatism
regarding caste system is prevalent among all or different levels of the society. As kanan studied
that in Andhra Pradesh a village of India, parents usually preferred in favor of getting their
children married within the same caste while a few were not very particular about marrying
within their own castes.
kapadia(1966) states that with modernization and industrialization barriers regarding caste are
breaking as with communication and connectivity knowledge is being spread and people’s views
are changing. The cast is such a strict concept that to marry between a high caste and low caste is
considered almost a sin and thought of as impossible .those who violate the social norms by not
marrying within the same cast or not according to the parents consent were subjected to cruelty,
violence, severe punishments, family boycott and honor killing which is still very much
practiced in most parts of India.

Caste system of India has led people to hatred and biasness. It is an evil that is a cause of making
differences among people belonging to different castes. Marriage is a very sacred institution
provided the caste system prevailing is willing to certain modifications and adaptations.
the causes of rejection of inter-caste marriages in India:
 The torture, humiliation and disrespect that the family and newlywed couple has to face
by the society.
 infirmity
 Fearing the social norms, set patterns.
 Children born out of caste marriages are confused about their status.
 Differences among individuals in accepting religious discrimination and differences of
either partner.
Ill effects of not approving caste marriages:
 It hampers growth of a society by creating obstacles.
 It leads to discord among individuals and social groups.
 People who love or have liking for their partner are either killed or separated.
 Society becomes stagnant and is not committed to changes.
Sikhism is an off shoot of Hinduism so the two of them follows almost the same rituals. The
concept of inter caste marriage is common in the south Asian societies. Although the rigid trends
are changing with time which had strangle hold earlier. The concept of caste, creed and culture
holds much importance in the Indian society. The family name makes a person dignified.
Belongingness to a particular family adds to his or her prestige. Marriage is a very sacred and
holy relationship it is a very intimate relationship that mitigates caste separatism. People
subsume within their own class because there is a comfort level presence of like minded people
makes it easier to accept certain values and norms. People marry in same class, caste or race.
This is called social stratification of strong social stratification there is more endogamy.
According to Hutton a taboo on sharing food drink and physical contact is there but with western
influence and modernization this is ending slowly. The inter caste differences have their origins
in the arean and the non arean matrix. Where arean blood is considered to be purer and to be a
sacrilege to many non areans. Each caste believes that it is superior to others and it should not

get polluted by interaction with members of other castes. He states further that where there is no
caste system there are still restrictions imposed by race, color health and class. If caste system is
done away with these restrictions, will still remain especially in endogamous and exogamous
because of sensitive and personal nature. Even the Romans failed to codify marriage rule. The
Sikh religion like all others religions discourages caste differences, however with the passage
these high principles could not be followed, moreover, the Sikh movement had to face the
Mughals and rely on some castes of Sikhs who could be recruited to fight some of the gurus
thought that if class differences are leveled than endogamy will become lesser, but this is not
possible in short period of time. The institution of “linger” where people of all castes and creeds
dine together dine together is definitely breaking the caste barriers.
Sociological study of marriage patterns and adjustment in a selected community in Faisalabad
city (Pakistan)
Marriage is a very sacred relationship. It is a contract which binds the two people together into a
pure and pious relationship or bond. marriages may be within the same caste or different castes
where one person belongs to a lower caste, this relationship between the two people open new
vistas in their lives as the two of them are now not individuals, they combine together in a
relationship a form a family, the relationship is indeed very pious. Everyone stands equal in the
eyes of god but humans have divided themselves into different strata, castes and communities.
They have opinions about themselves of one belonging to a higher and the other belonging to a
lower caste it is due to this segregation that they treat others differently. According to the holy
Quran:
“And of his signs is thus: he created for you help mates from yourself that you might
find rest in them and he ordained between you love and mercy, here in indeed are portents for
folk who reflect.”
According to Duran bell,.
“Marriage is an institution by which men are provided (socially sported) rights to
women”(bell,1997).

Advancement is bringing change in the social attitudes of people as the concept of dowry is
gradually coming to its end as it is a burden on the poor families. in some parts of the country the
husband has to pay a huge amount to the girl’s parents in order to buy her. Marriages take place
with the willing consent of either parents or the person to be certain rituals are to be followed in
our societies and the two people tie their knots. Endogamy is practiced in Pakistan which means
marrying within the one’s own caste, class or group but certain changes can be seen in this
regard. Everyone wants either it’s the girl’s parents or the boys to get their children married in
high castes as they feel proud of being famous among their family members and in the society.
Monogamy and polygamy are the forms of marriages which are practiced in our society. In small
areas a=such as Sialkot and other villages the concept of inter marrying is common and its
definitely going to take some take to change these practice.
This study was conducted in city of Faisalabad. This empirical study states that about 65%
people showed favor of people in selecting their life partners with the consent of their parents
whereas 18% showed preferences in selecting their mates by themselves.
Recommendations:
1) This study was conducted on a limited sample there is a need for a bigger sample for
better results.
2) prior consultation contributes to the success of the marriage moreover equal opportunities
and freedom of choice to women results in better adjustment after marriages since dowry
or lack of dowry causes problems being a common practice in our society
3) More emphasis must be given on education to eradicate such practices.
Mixed Marriages Caste is not only an important issue in our society, whereas, other societies
are faced with similar issues such as in Nepal, whereas, people who marry outside their desired
castes are subjected to ridicule, abuse and violence . Following are the issues that are faced by
the people.

Harassment/Torture Harassment is one of the major issues being faced by the couples who do
not marry with the consent of their parents or others.
Dalits also called the untouchables are a members of the lowest class whom that interact
other four castes are not allowed to interact with them.
Separation by Forces When two people marry in different castes of one belonging to higher
castes where as the other belonging to lower castes tie their knots together, as the general public
does not agree, they are either separated or isolated or even sometimes brutally treated or killed.
Displacement Due to rigid behavior of parents and others the couple who is oblivious of the
consequences is sometimes forced to leave the indigenous community or is banished as a result
of their act. They are forced to leave their family and loved ones.
Discrimination by Authorities Our institutional discrimination also destroys the couples, who
somehow mistakenly leave to marry outside their castes, their progress is hindered are many
obstacles are placed which prevents their progress, their basic rights and social standings are
denied.
Ram Sharma a Human Rights Activist, states that the state does not encourage the
inter caste marriages, where as they should be protection and at least basic human rights.
Status of women in Nepal is very low; their economic, social, political position is very low.
1) They are exploited or oppressed by the high caste Hindu people.
2) Hindu Patriarchal system always oppresses them.
3) The females are also targeted by male dalits.
4) Literacy rates of dalit women are very low as compared to high caste men and women.
5) They are also sexually exploited.
METHODOLOGY

PROBLEM STATMENT
Women facing the effects of inter-caste marriages.
OBJECTIVES
1) To highlight and identify such issues of caste marriages which are a part of our society.
2) To identify the difference between women and men regarding inter caste marriage
Hypothesis
If there is inter caste marriage, then women will be effected
VARIABLES
Independent variable:
Inter-caste marriages
Dependent variable:
Impact of inter-caste marriage on women
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
Independent Variable: Marriages which takes place within the same caste are known as “Inter
caste Marriages”.
Dependent Variable: The word “effect” means impact or influence on something positive or
negative.
SAMPLE

The Sample of 30 people has been taken. Quantitative method has been used. The questionnaires
have been filled by people and their ages were between 25 to 50 years.
SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
Sampling techniques majorly refer to the idea that what techniques or methods have been used to
conduct our study. The sampling techniques being used are quantitative with the options of YES
and NO.
TOOLS
The research method that has been used in the study was quantitative as it was based on
questionnaires.
PROCEDURE
The sample selected for the research was filled by both genders aged between 25-50. The
research method used was quantitative based on questionnaires. The questionnaires were filled
by families where the concept of caste marriages prevails. The questionnaire was filled with the
consent of the participants. The results were then analyzed and it showed both positive as well as
negative opinions of people belonging to different groups.
ANALYSIS
Data of the study was analyzed by the quantitative research method through questionnaires that
were closed ended only with the options YES and NO.
RESULTS AND FINDINGS