Age at Marriage in India : Vision and Reality

Contents Preface. List of abbreviations. 1. Introduction. 2. Age at marriage of girls. 3. Age at marriage of boys. 4. Major findings and conclusions. Appendices. Age at marriage is a subject of great practical importance as it is related to both socio economic background and achievements. In demography age at marriage of at least women plays a major role in determining fertility trends and differentials. The effect of late marriage on reproduction through shortening the reproductive life span has been widely recognized. However reproduction is not the only function of marriage. Marriage heralds the beginning of a new family unit with all the complicated roles and statuses which the members of this unit are expected to play. Postponement of marriage will make both girls and boys mature mentally and emotionally and brings about a closer relationship through high quality verbal interaction which can affect emotional closeness and sharing of private thoughts values and concerns all necessary ingredients for marital adjustment. It is also a key intervening variable in the process of attaining status. In India such a vital subject has not yet received the importance it deserves. There is a general awareness that age at marriage is low in this country but where and how low are questions that beg for answers. This book gives a complete picture of the age at marriage of both boys and girls in India in each and every district using survey data. 222 pp.