In the 1980s, divorce among Hindus was taboo – a social stigma. It was a disgrace not to get along and adjust with your partner. In short, some of the fundamental beliefs regarding marriage and divorce in the Hindu religion were:
Hindu society was mainly a male-dominated society where the woman was supposed to submit to the authority and power of the male figure in the family i.e. the father and brother before marriage and the husband after marriage
The woman was regarded as an unimportant but necessary pillar of the marriage. She was economically and financially not independent. She was dependent on the man in every sense -- economically, financially and socially. She had no right to argue or question the husband.
In case the husband felt dissatisfied sexually or socially, he could leave his wife and marry another. But, a wife was not given the right to do that. If she felt marital dissatisfaction, she had to adjust and live in the marriage.
Wife was considered a social outcast if she left her husband. She had to face social distrust with regard to work, family and personal relationships. In fact, it was common for a father to disown his divorced daughter. Further, any organisation would hesitate to hire a divorced woman. If working, it was very rare to find a divorced woman in managerial positions of high power. Divorced women were relegated to clerical positions with low salary.
In the same breath, Islamic religion or the Muslim faith vests sole authority of divorce in the male partner. According to the Muslim faith, a woman has no reason or freedom to protest against her husband’s aggressive behaviour. She should just tolerate it and become accustomed to being a doormat. On the other hand, the husband can marry innumerable times and can simply leave his wife by denouncing her in public with the word ‘TALAQ’ being said three times in quick succession. But, a woman cannot do so. In fact, prior to 2000 it was very rare to find a Muslim woman seeking divorce.
Divorce is considered unacceptable and an act of betrayal by the Catholic faith. Catholics regard marriage as a holy bond between man and woman which is forged due to extreme unifying love and commitment. Further, in cases where catholic marriages have any issues or children, a divorce or separation is frowned upon. It is easier to annul a marriage rather than getting a divorce. The institution of marriage is sacred and cannot be touched or tainted by any vile acts of divorce or separation. The logic stated by the Catholic faith is simple: If two people are unable to commit themselves to each other, they have no right to get married.
But, in recent times, modern perceptions have started changing religious attitudes and beliefs. New laws, norms and behavioural patterns have forced religions to bow their heads to populist demands and culture.
The Catholic faith has conceded that two people can initiate divorce if one of the partners cites physical, mental, emotional and psychological abuse as a reason. Catholic faith further states that a divorce can be sought if one of the partners is not a proven Catholic.
The rise of live-in relationships and inter-caste marriages has forced Hindu fanatics to change guard. The Hindu faith does not regard divorce as a social evil anymore. Hindu religion sees women on an equal footing and perceives them as equal contributors in the institution of marriage. Hindu priests are ready to view marriage as a give-and-take relationship between equals where even the woman has the right and freedom of expression.
A woman can also seek divorce if she is not being satisfied in marital terms. The rise and widespread popularity of media has fuelled women to voice marital problems. What was discussed and enacted behind doors has now come into the open.
The Muslim Family Law in 2006 announced that Muslim women could now seek divorce if they were not getting satisfaction from the marriage. According to the law, marital satisfaction was described as insecurity and unhappiness felt by the woman in the marriage if her financial, emotional, sexual and social needs were not being met.
Another astonishing clause of the Muslim Law gave women the freedom to decide if they wanted to marry a groom chosen by the family. In addition, the law also ruled that women now have the freedom to choose the method of upbringing of their children.
It is a two-way relationship – people’s attitudes affect religious beliefs and feelings and vice-versa, and religious beliefs influence people’s attitudes on divorce. The change in religious perceptions has turned people around. Women are no longer bound by societal pressures. In fact, they are experiencing a greater sense of freedom and will power – right from girls to senior citizens. The change in religious beliefs has opened up traditional roles of women. They are now ready to explore new worlds in a professional manner. They feel more relaxed to give vent to their own demands. The marriage equation has changed from the traditional master-slave, breadwinner-homemaker to that of equal partners investing proportionately for the life of a marriage.
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