Elders in joint families are increasingly hesitant to arrange marriages for their sons, haunted by the fear of daughters-in-law. Meanwhile, working professionals prefer staying single, opting for live-in relationships, free from marital bonds, regardless of the consequences. If a marriage lasts seven years, it is now considered successful, a far cry from the traditional ‘seven lifetimes’ commitment. 

At a seminar on women's empowerment organised by social activist Vatsala Prabhakar in Agra recently, speakers highlighted new fears and dangers faced by the younger generation. One speaker shared a heart-wrenching account of his short-lived married life, leaving the audience deeply moved. 

In reality, after a series of suicides and brutal murders by married couples across the country—from Bangalore to Meerut—the sacred institution of marriage appears to be in crisis. Extreme steps stem from ego clashes, infidelity, career stress, and other pressures. Indian sociologists opine that marriages, once considered the foundation of society, are now under severe strain. Globally, young men and women are increasingly avoiding marriage. 

According to Prof Paras Nath Choudhary, "In India, where marriage was once an unquestioned social duty, a growing number of young people are choosing to stay single—some by choice, others out of fear. An institution meant to foster love, stability, and social harmony is now viewed with suspicion, even dread. The question is: Is marriage becoming obsolete? And if so, what does it mean for society’s future?" Recent headlines have been alarming—stories of empowered wives murdering husbands, exploiting legal loopholes to trap innocent men, and weaponising marital laws, he adds. 

Though such cases are not the norm, their sensational nature has left deep scars. Social activist Shalini Benz says, "Young men are becoming wary of marriage due to fears of false accusations, legal harassment, toxic family environments, financial exploitation—rising dowry demands, alimony burdens, and soaring household costs. The result? A generation of men who see marriage not as a partnership but as a potential life-ruining gamble."

In metropolitan cities, the appeal of marriage is fading, with a growing segment of youth opting for live-in relationships. The LGBTQ+ community is also expanding. India is not alone in this trend. The West has seen declining marriage rates for decades—countries like Sweden and Germany report falling marriages, with cohabitation and singlehood becoming the norm. In China and Japan, rising individualism, economic pressures, and gender divides have led to a ‘marriage strike’, with millions opting out. 

"Urban professionals delay or avoid marriage, prioritising careers and personal freedom over social expectations", says Bihar-based sociologist Dr Vidya Choudhary Jha. Even in rural India, where early marriages were once customary, young men and women remain unmarried well into their 30s—a phenomenon unheard of a generation ago. 

Those defending marriage argue that it fosters responsible citizens—individuals with emotional, financial, and social stakes in society. "When people marry and raise families, they invest in the future and contribute to social stability," says activist Padmini Ayyar. But what happens when marriages decline? 

Unmarried individuals may lack the long-term commitment to community welfare. Falling marriage rates lead to population decline, as seen in Japan, threatening economic stability. Without family bonds, mental health crises could worsen. From this perspective, marriage is not just a personal choice but a social contract ensuring collective responsibility. 

Tamil intellectual TN Subramanian says, "While anti-marriage sentiment is rising, it’s not irreversible. To revive faith in marriage, systemic changes are needed—gender-neutral laws to prevent misuse, affordable housing, controlled inflation, family incentives, conflict resolution training, marital counselling, and reduced social pressure."

The decline in marriage is not just a personal choice—it’s a civilizational challenge. If youth continue to see marriage as a risky, unrewarding endeavour, society may face a future where commitment, responsibility, and intergenerational bonds erode. The solution isn’t forcing unwilling individuals into marriage but making it a safer, more fulfilling, and sustainable institution.