LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS IN INDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Shivangi Gupta, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Manas Ranjan Pradhan, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This study explores the nuances of live-in relationships from the socio-demographic perspective to understand the contemporary transformative phase of the marriage institution in India. Using Google Scholar, Hein Online, JSTOR, SCOPUS, Springer, and Science Direct databases, this review was limited to English-language publications published after January 2000 that were fully accessible through full-text availability, adhering to PRISMA principles. 56 articles were chosen using the keyword search and screening in accordance with the eligibility criteria; and analyzed with Atlas.ti software through codes and themes. Live-in relationships were present in India in Vedas and Puranas; even various Indigenous tribes have practiced such kinds of arrangements for thousands of years in the country. The major reasons for a live-in relationship emergence were individual freedom and identity for both partners. Young people perceive live-in relationships as an escape from the burdensome responsibilities of marriage, while society considers it as a taboo and stigma and, thus, immoral and unethical. Though live-in relationships have legal acceptance, they still have to go a long way to get social acceptance. The liberal attitude of the younger generation, mainly in the metro cities, indicates attitudinal change toward marriage and the emergence of the second demographic transition in the country.

Keywords: Fertility, Families, Unions and Households, Qualitative data/methods/approaches

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