The Cause of Marital Separation in Love and Arranged Marriages: A Sociological Study of Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara

Abstract

This study explores the sociological dimensions of marital stability in love and arranged marriages within four major metropolitan cities of Gujarat—Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara. As Indian society undergoes rapid modernization, especially in urban areas, traditional marital norms are being redefined. This research aims to analyze the stability of marriages based on their mode of formation—love or arranged—and examine how factors such as communication, socio-economic background, family support, expectations, and cultural compatibility influence the longevity and satisfaction within these unions.

Using a mixed-method approach, the study collects both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 200 married individuals, equally divided between love and arranged marriages across the selected cities. Statistical tools and thematic analysis are employed to assess key indicators of marital stability such as emotional bonding, conflict resolution, mutual understanding, and divorce/separation rates.

Preliminary findings suggest that while love marriages offer higher initial compatibility and emotional intimacy, they are more vulnerable to external social and familial pressures. In contrast, arranged marriages benefit from stronger familial support and social acceptance, which often contribute to their stability over time despite initial adjustment challenges.

The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how urbanization, changing values, and individual agency impact marital outcomes in contemporary Gujarat. It also offers policy insights for family counseling services and social institutions in strengthening marital relationships and reducing separation rates.