Indian Danish intermarriage: Motivational Dynamics in context of Modernity

Rashmi Singla, Sujata Sriram

Publikation: KonferencebidragKonferenceabstrakt til konferenceForskningpeer review

Abstract

Abstract : Indian - Danish Intermarriage: Motivational Dynamics in context of modernity (version 25.8.2016) Rashmi Singla & Sujata Sriram Abstract This paper explores motivations of Indian partner in mixed Indian-Danish couples living in Denmark. One of the characteristics of modernity is increased movements across borders, leading to increased intimate relationships across national/ethnic borders. The main research question is about reasons for couple ‘getting together’. In the background of changing marriage practices, there is an inter play of motives with the gender- and socio -economical categories. The paper draws from an explorative study conducted in Denmark among intermarried couples, consisting of in-depth interviews with ten ‘ordinary’ intermarried couples combined with two clinical cases (Singla, 2015). Illustrative narratives of two Indian women married to Danish men and an Indian man married to a Danish woman are the focus. The theoretical framework combines intersectionality approach with cultural psychological, transnationalism and a phenomenological approach to sexual desire and love. We find that there are transformations in the marriage practices in India, where the love -arranged marriage is gaining salience, though family continues to be important. There are three different pathways, highlighting commonality of work identity, academic interests and a cosmopolitan identity, where differential changing patterns of privileges and power are also evoked. However, “falling in love” is pointed as the dominant reason for the intimate relation formation, emphasising the persons’ agency. Furthermore, results indicate differential generational, gender acceptance of the mixed marriage implying complex patterns of modernity within the extended family and ‘community’ involving religion, caste, and socio-economic aspects. These findings challenging the simplistic economic dichotomy about the global North and global South, are discussed with current studies, among others , Morgan et al, 2016 about foreign-born spouses living in Japan, revealing two dominant motivations behind their migration social and economic necessity and opportunity. Finally implications of motives for mixed marriages for broader society, including mental health promotion and psychosocial counselling are delineated. Words- 299
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Publikationsdato1 sep. 2016
Antal sider2
StatusUdgivet - 1 sep. 2016
BegivenhedConference on Modernity (2016): Modern Matters: Negotiating the Future of Everyday Life in South Asia - Lund Universitet, Lund, Sverige
Varighed: 20 sep. 201622 sep. 2016
http://www.sasnet.lu.se/conferences/sasnet-conferences/modern-matters-negotiating-the-future-of-everyday-life-in-south-asia-2016

Konference

KonferenceConference on Modernity (2016)
LokationLund Universitet
Land/OmrådeSverige
ByLund
Periode20/09/201622/09/2016
Internetadresse

Emneord

  • Incresing modernity
  • Increased movements across borders
  • Mixed couples getting together
  • Three different pathways
  • Differential generational
  • Religion
  • Gender acceptan ce
  • Caste
  • Regional and socio-economic aspects

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