By: Mohd Younus Bhat

Swami Vivekananda once said, “The true test of a man and a woman begins after marriage. It is easy to love in dreams but difficult to love in reality.” This profound statement reflects the essence of marriage as a journey of growth, sacrifice, and shared responsibilities. However, this traditional understanding of marriage is increasingly being questioned, largely due to the influence of modern media narratives.

Raised in a culture that valued marriage as a lifelong commitment, a young couple initially embraced their roles as partners. However, exposure to vicious content and TV series’ portraying marriage as restrictive and outdated planted seeds of doubt in their minds. Watching characters prioritise personal ambitions over family life made them question whether marriage was necessary at all. Over time, these doubts led to growing discontent, and eventually, they chose to part ways, believing that their aspirations were more important than their union.

Marriage has traditionally been more than just a legal or social agreement — it is a sacred bond deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions. Across various communities, it serves as a foundation for companionship, social stability, and the continuation of family lineage. However, in recent times, this age-old institution has come under scrutiny, with modern media playing a significant role in shaping perceptions.

For example, in Bollywood and Western entertainment, marriage is often depicted as restrictive, burdensome, or even unnecessary. Films and TV shows frequently emphasize personal freedom and career ambitions over familial responsibilities, leading many young individuals to question the relevance of marriage. A striking example is the Netflix series Indian Matchmaking, which sparked debates on whether arranged marriages are outdated, further reinforcing the idea that traditional marital setups are incompatible with modern aspirations.

The impact of such portrayals is evident in shifting societal attitudes. A 2021 study by the Pew Research Centre found that 44% of millennials consider marriage an outdated institution. This belief is often fuelled by narratives that prioritize individualism and personal fulfilment over collective family values.

Men are not masculine

While significant attention is given to the challenges faced by women, the struggles that men endure often go unnoticed. In India, traditional gender roles dictate that men must be the primary financial providers for their families. This societal expectation places immense pressure on them to secure stable employment, support dependents, and ensure financial security, often at the cost of their own mental and emotional well-being.

For instance, in many Indian households, even if both partners work, the primary responsibility of providing for the family still falls on the man. A young professional in any city, for example, may be expected to take on a high-stress corporate job to meet family obligations, even if he dreams of pursuing a less lucrative but fulfilling career in the arts. This burden can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, yet these struggles are rarely acknowledged.

According to the International Labour Organization (2022), men still account for 76% of the global workforce, highlighting the disproportionate responsibility they bear. Despite this, media narratives often portray men as privileged or emotionally detached, ignoring the sacrifices they make. Popular culture frequently reinforces the stereotype of the “strong, unbreakable man,” discouraging men from expressing vulnerability or seeking support. Movies and........

© Kashmir Images