Gender Disparities and Marital Arrangements in India: Insights from NFHS 4 and 5

EUGINE PAUL, International Institute for Population Sciences, India
YASHNA CHAWLA, International Institute for Population Sciences
Sayeed Unisa, International Institute for Population Sciences, India

Gender disparity in marriage is a major problem that is rooted in Indian society. This study uses data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) rounds 4 and 5 to examine the interactions between patriarchal values, marital arrangements, and gender inequities. The analysis centres on the respondents' marital status, which is divided into monogamous, polygamous, and divorced, and how gender roles in decision-making power, property ownership, and attitudes toward domestic violence change with other factors. The preliminary results show that men and women report differently, with men demonstrating more power and authority, especially in polygamous environments, and divorced people displaying more liberal attitudes, indicating greater autonomy outside of conventional marriage. The continuation of patriarchal beliefs in property ownership, decision-making, and reproductive rights is evident, regardless of an overall trend towards monogamy. This study will further use path and factor analysis to analyse the underlying causes and how gender roles are perceived in various geographical areas, religious traditions, and socioeconomic classes.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics, Families, Unions and Households, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

See extended abstract.