In Hinduism marriage is the only accepted institution men and women can live together. This essay asks how marriage does work both for and against women in Hinduism.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Marriage as social setting for women
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text explores the role of marriage in traditional Hindu society, focusing specifically on the social and religious expectations placed upon women within the institution of marriage.
- The importance of childbirth and its impact on a woman's social standing
- The relationship between a woman's sexuality and her social and religious obligations
- The power dynamics within marriage and the hierarchical structure of Hindu households
- The consequences of infertility, widowhood, and divorce for women in traditional Hindu society
- The role of women in maintaining social order and religious continuity within Hinduism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The text analyzes the implications of marriage for women in traditional Hinduism, examining its impact on their lives, roles, and social standing. The central theme revolves around the importance of childbirth and the associated pressures and responsibilities placed upon women.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key themes and concepts explored in this text include: marriage in Hinduism, female roles, childbirth, sexuality, social hierarchy, power dynamics, infertility, widowhood, divorce, religious obligations, social expectations, and the continuity of life in samsara.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of marriage for women in Hinduism?
Marriage is the only socially and religiously accepted institution for men and women to live together in traditional Hindu society, defining a woman's social standing and religious obligations.
How does childbirth affect a woman's status in a Hindu household?
Childbirth is highly prioritized; it is a central expectation that grants a woman social respect and ensures the continuity of the family lineage within the cycle of samsara.
What are the consequences of infertility for women in this setting?
Infertility can lead to severe social stigma, loss of status within the family, and in traditional settings, it may be grounds for social marginalization.
How is the power dynamic structured in a traditional Hindu marriage?
The household usually follows a hierarchical structure where power dynamics are influenced by gender and age, often placing specific religious and domestic duties on the wife.
What is the social standing of widows in traditional Hindu society?
Widowhood historically brings significant challenges, often resulting in a loss of the social protections and religious roles associated with being a married woman.
Can women initiate divorce in traditional Hinduism?
Traditional Hindu law and social expectations generally discourage divorce, and women who undergo it often face significant social and economic consequences.
- Quote paper
- Kati Neubauer (Author), 2008, Marriage as social setting for women, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/133374
