Determinants of Age at Marriage: A Sociological Analysis among Meitei-Hindus in Imphal City.

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between age at marriage, socio-economic factors, and cultural norms. Education and occupation are highlighted as key aspects of Socio-economic factors that potentially impact the age at marriage. It seeks to bring out a relationship between cultural norms, socio-economic factors, and age at marriage among the Meitei Hindus of Imphal city. The age at marriage varies over time, influenced by cultural norms and Socio-economic factors. Both primary and secondary data are used, with more emphasis on primary data. The structured questionnaire is used to capture detailed information on these variables, exploring the links between cultural prescriptions, socio-economic factors, and age at marriage among 150 Meitei-Hindu respondents of Imphal. Socioeconomic factors strongly shape age at marriage among Meitei-Hindus, reflecting a shift toward delayed marriage driven by educational aspirations, career security, and modern priorities. At the same time, cultural norms such as Yek-exogamy and sibling birth-order expectations continue to influence marital decisions, though respondents negotiate these traditions with increasing flexibility.