Abstract

Marriage is a vital institution of human civilization. It has taken different shapes at different epochs of history. However, one common factor has always remained intact throughout history, and that is the marginalization of women pertaining to their role and status in society and the structure of patriarchy. With the progress of societal forces, the factors influencing the marriage practices have undergone changes. This research aims to explore the factors impinging upon the selection of partners for marriage under the conditions characterized by globalization and market-led massive social and economic transformations in Bangladesh. Based on empirical research, this study has indicated some intriguing findings. It reveals that traditional decision criteria for marriage have not faded away yet. On the other hand, with the massive social changes, some new selection criteria for marriage have emerged. This is equally true for both men and women. It is found that women are now less subjugated to the whims of the patriarchy. Education, awareness, and economic solvency have enabled women to play a decisive role in choosing their partner for marriage. They have developed a relative capacity to raise their voice concerning their marriage decision. Furthermore, men are also experiencing new forms of dilemmas in selecting their partners. Along with conventional attributes, they also expect some new attributes in women they want to marry. However, the entire saga of decision-making regarding marriage is not a linear process. Still confusions, dilemmas and ambiguities persist relating to the selection of partners for marriage in the city of Dhaka.