The trend towards later marriages has increased in recent decades, affecting societies globally. This blog will explore the phenomenon of late marriage, examining its causes, advantages, and disadvantages within the specific context of India.
Shifting Trends in Marital Age
Globally, the age at which individuals marry has gone up. In many developed nations, a considerable proportion of marriages now occur after 30 years of age. This shift is accompanied by a general decline in marriage rates, particularly in economically advanced regions such as Europe. Within India, a similar pattern is emerging. In the national capital, for instance, the average age of marriage for women increased from 21.7 years to 24.4 years between 2011 and 2020. This is higher than the national average, which was calculated at 22.7 years in 2020.
We know that early marriage was common in India, particularly for girls, in the past three to four centuries.
Traditional social values that centred on maintaining family honour and controlling women’s sexuality, supported this practice. However, factors such as increased access to education, greater awareness, urbanisation, and changing legal frameworks (the legal minimum age for marriage is 18 for girls and 21 for boys) have contributed to a delay in marriage age.
Reasons for Delayed Marriage
Several factors contribute to the phenomenon of late marriage. One is the changing socio-economic landscape. Increased educational and employment opportunities for women are directly related to delayed marriage. Pursuit of higher education and career development leads individuals, both women and men, to postpone marriage.
Beyond economic factors, certain cultural shifts and attitudes play a role in this. Some young adults embrace cohabitation as a precursor to marriage. They see it as a trial period. However, research suggests that cohabitation before marriage may, in fact, be associated with a higher likelihood of divorce. Another viewpoint, sometimes termed the “Sowing Wild Oats” paradox, suggests that some people prioritise sexual experimentation before settling down, potentially leading to attitudes and behaviours that are not conducive to marital stability. Finally, there is a perception among many Indian Millennials, Gen Z, and a few Gen X that marrying later is better, with some viewing marriage as a potential cause of tension rather than benefit.
In India, economic factors such as unemployment are also influencing marriage patterns. Research indicates that men, who traditionally did not require financial resources to marry, are now facing delays due to economic instability. When the joint family system was the norm, men did not have to support their families on their own. The joint family took care of the economic, emotional, and other needs of the young couple and their burgeoning families.
“My old sister is around 26 years old and working in a different city. In our community, for years, the accepted marriage age for women was near 28 years and for men around 30. So, my parents are in no hurry to find a match for her.”
Sandhya, media student, Hyderabad
Advantages of Late Marriage
Late marriage offers several benefits. One of the most prominent is the opportunity for personal development. Individuals who marry later have more time to focus on their careers, education, and personal growth. This can lead to greater maturity, self-awareness, self-reliance, and a clearer understanding of one’s needs and preferences. These factors can contribute to a more stable and fulfilling marriage.
Moreover, late marriage allows women and men more time to select a suitable partner. This extended period may increase the chances of finding a compatible partner, leading to a more enduring relationship. Studies suggest that a later age at marriage is associated with smaller family sizes, and it is also linked to women’s empowerment, increased participation in the workforce, increased health outcomes, and more equitable gender attitudes.
Disadvantages of Late Marriage
Late marriages pose disadvantages also. One is the impact on childbearing. A woman’s fertility begins to decline in her late twenties, according to the latest research. Older mothers face increased risks during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, birth defects, gestational diabetes, complications during labour, and a few other maladies. There is also evidence to suggest that children of older fathers have a higher risk of certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Another potential drawback is the increased difficulty in adapting to a partner’s established habits and perspectives. Individuals who marry later in life may have developed more rigid routines and viewpoints, making compromise and adjustment within the marriage more challenging.
Late marriage, coupled with pre-marital sexual activity, can contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, from a societal perspective, late marriage contributes to a widening generation gap between parents and children. These are some of the documented disadvantages of late marriages.
Pre-marital Sex and its Association with Late Marriage
Research indicates that the reasons for delayed marriage may vary among different age groups. Factors such as education, wealth, and exposure to mass media are the major controlling factors. Urban adolescent women from wealthier backgrounds with greater media exposure are more likely to engage in premarital sexual intercourse than their rural counterparts. This highlights the rural-urban differences in marriage patterns and sexual behaviour within the country. It is generally observed that marriages are delayed among those who are more educated and from wealthier families.
Additionally, delayed marriage age has been shown to increase cohabitation and pre-marital sex. The specific patterns of delayed marriage and premarital sex may vary considerably across different regions. However, what has been noted is the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases when the instances of pre-marital sex increase in a society, especially when there is no corresponding increase in awareness of safe sex practices.
Conclusion
The trend towards later marriage is complex with multiple causes and consequences. While it offers benefits in terms of personal development and partner selection, it also presents challenges related to childbearing, adaptability, prevalence of STDs (when there is a lack of awareness), and cultural norms. Understanding these various aspects is necessary to understand the evolving dynamics of marriage in contemporary society.
Are you planning on a late marriage? Are you looking for a mature partner to share your life long-term? Download the Rematch app to find matches for a long-term relationship.
References
Blackwood, Kate. “‘Young, Male and Aimless’: Why Are Men in India Delaying Marriage?” Cornell Chronicle, November 9, 2022.
Gündoğdu, Aleyna Hatice, and Sefa Bulut. “The Positive and Negative Effects of Late Marriage.” Open Journal of Depression 11, no. 4 (November 2022): 63–71.
Kaur, Gaganpreet, and Sukhdev Singh. “Changing Patterns of Marriage in Indian Society.” Indian Journal of Economics and Development 9, no. 3 (January 2013): 261.
Srivastava, Ashish. “Women in Delhi Opting to Marry Late Now, Says Report.” The New Indian Express, December 10, 2023.
