Commercialization of marriage in Punjabi society

Pages: 15-21
Pamaljeet Kaur (Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Punjabi University, Patiala)

Wedding is one of the most important events of a person’s life. The wedding events are characterized by celebrations within the family and the wedding day is indeed a memorable one for the bride and the groom, as well as for all those sharing their joyous moments. The present study is an attempt to understand the process of commercialization which occurred in the institution of marriage in Punjabi society. The main focus is to examine the growth of marriage market and try to find out the reasons responsible for it. The initial study of commercialization of marriage, is taken up with the objectives like to find out the reasons for commercialization of marriage, to find the impact of commercialization on ceremonial aspects of Punjabi marriage and the socio-economic consequences of commercialization of marriage, and the linkage between commercialization of marriage and gender discrimination.