Lavender marriages in india - sociological perceptions

      A lavender marriage is a marriage of convenience between a man and a woman to conceal the fact that one or both partners are homosexual. Historically, these marriages were particularly prevalent during times when homosexuality was socially unacceptable or illegal. 

Functionalist Perspective: Focuses on how lavender marriages contribute to social stability, the maintenance of social roles, and the reinforcement of societal norms and values.

Conflict Perspective: Emphasizes the power dynamics, social inequality, and resistance involved in lavender marriages, highlighting the ways these marriages reinforce and challenge dominant ideologies.

Feminist perspectives: on lavender marriages focus on how these arrangements reinforce traditional gender norms and patriarchal control, the intersectionality of oppression, the complexities of women’s agency, the psychological impact on individuals, and the use of lavender marriages as strategies of resistance and survival.

Social key factors behind the rise of lavender marriages 

1.Societal pressure and family expectations - high value on marriage, expecting individual to marry and have children, family honour. 

2.Stigna and discrimination - after decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018, remains significant stigma against LGBTQ, this societal bias can lead people to hide their sexual orientation through a heterosexual marriage. 

3.Arranged marriages - it remains strong in india, LGBTQ individuals difficult to refuse these arrangements without revealing thier sexual orientation, leading them to enter lavender marriages.

4.Religious beliefs - many religious practices in india have conservative views in sexuality, adherence to religious norms can presume LGBTQ individuals to marry heterosexually. 

5.Patriarchal society - Indian society is strick gender roles and expectations, both to marry and uphold traditional family structure.

6.Urban v/s Rural divide - acceptance of LGBTQ individuals is higher in urban areas,

Societal impact of Lavender marriages..

1.It highlight the intersection of personal identity and societal expectations, illustrating the significant impact that social attitudes towards sexuality can have on individuals lives. 

2.Reinforcement of Gender norms - it reinforced traditional gender roles and heteronormative expectations.

3.Identity crisis - invisibility it LGBTQ+ Issues, this lack of visibility slowed social progress and the phsh for rights and recognition. 

4.LGBTQ+ movements - lavender Marriages suppressed the visibility and progress of the LGBTQ movement. 

5.Cultural and social capital - while lavender marriages could enhance social capital by aligning with societal norms. 

6.Social change - sacrifice made by individuals highlight the need for societal change. 

Anthony Giddens on Modernity and Self-Identity: Giddens’ work on modernity and self-identity explores how individuals navigate identity in contemporary society. Lavender marriages reflect the negotiation of self-identity within modern social contexts, where traditional norms clash with emerging LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.

Radhika Chopra - individual in lavender marriages navigate dual identities - ( heterosexual marriage and truee sexual orientation ), this duality reflects the broader struggle within Indian society between tradition and modernity. 

Pierre Bourdieu Social Capital - Bourdieu’s concept of social capital can be applied to understand how lavender marriages provide individuals with social benefits and networks that come with conforming to heterosexual norms, thus gaining social capital while hiding their true identity.

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Corruption in Competitive Exams - Sociological perspective.

Structural functionalist- Social systems require functional integration to maintain stability. Corruption in competative examinations disrupts this integration, leading to broader social dysfunction.

Conflict perspective - Marx’s theories on class struggle highlight how educational corruption can be a tool for perpetuating class inequality. The ruling class may manipulate competitive exams to ensure their continued dominance, while the working class may feel compelled to cheat to compete.

Societal impact of corruption in exams 

1.Social mobility - scams in examination entrenching socioeconomic disparities and shifting upward mobility for deserving candidates from marginalized backgrounds. 

2.Exacerbating existing socioeconomic inequalities - it deepens the divide between the haves and have-nots. 

3.Symptomatic of a border culture of corruption - it fosters a culture where unethical behaviour is normalised. 

4.Entrenched Elitism - it enables elites to maintain their status, reinforcing social stratification and limiting upward mobility for lower socio- economic groups. 

5.Intergenerational impact - normalisation of cheating in exams making it harder to implement reforms and change societal attitudes. 

6.Societal Cynicism and disillusionment - distrust toward authority figures and institutions, disillusionment with meritocracy. 

7.Social tension - perception of unfair advantage gained through corruption can create social tension and divisons ( nationwide protest over the NEET scams ) 

8.Liquid modernity - it describes how modern life is characterized by constant change and uncertainty, which one contribute to corruption in competitive exams as individual seek stability. 

9.Undermining the democratic principles and civil disengagement.

10.Social fragmentation - it divides communities along lines of those who benefit from corruption and those who suffer from it . 

 Post-Industrial Society: Alain Touraine’s perspective on post-industrial society examines how knowledge and information shape social dynamics. 

       In a post-industrial society, corruption in education distorts knowledge systems and undermines the integrity of educational institutions essential for societal progress.

Cultural Capital and Educational Inequality : pieree Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital explains how students from privileged backgrounds have access to resources , knowledge , and networks that give them an unfair advantage in competitive exams . This can lead to corruption as disadvantaged students seek to level the playing field by illicit means .

     

Strain Theory : Robter K. Merton's strain theory suggests that societal pressure to achieve culturally approved goals ( such as academic success ) can lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior when they lack legitimate means . This can explain why students might resort to cheating in exams . 

Social factors affecting corruption in exams 

1.Institutional failures - corruption within examination bodies and education institutions. 

2.Normalisation of corruption - frequent examination fraud can normalise unethical behaviour as a survival strategy. 

3.Stress and anxiety - psychological burden of high expectations and fear of failure can lead individuals to unethical decisions. 

4.Legal lag - gaps in legislation - as of now we don't have examination minister or comprehensive exams law . 

5.Technological advancements - technology doens't discriminate - cheaters use micro earpiece smartwatchs. 

6.Social comparison and peer pressure leads individuals feel compelled to cheat to keep up or outshine their contemporaries. 

7.Legitimation crisis - Jurgen habermas theory of legitimation crisis explain how corruption in competative exams can lead to a crisis of legitimacy for educational institutions and state. 

Anomie : Emile Durkheim's concept of anomie a state of normlessness , can be applied to explain why corruption in exams occurs when societal norms and values break down . This leads to a lack of guidance and increased deviant behavior . 

Social Systems Theory: Niklas Luhmann’s theory emphasizes the autonomy and self-reproduction of social systems. 

      Corruption disrupts the self-regulating mechanisms of educational systems, undermining their capacity to maintain social order and legitimacy.

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Celebrity Worship syndrome - Sociological perspective

 

     Celebrity Worship syndrome is a cultural phenomenon where individuals develop intense and emotional attachment to celebrities.

Functionalist perspectives..

• Social integration and socialization - celebrites can serve as cultural symbols that help bind individuals together - sense of shared identity and social integration.
• cultural cohesion and identity - shared admiration for celebrities contributes to a collective cultural identity.
• Social differentiation - it allows social differentiation and stratification based on interest and preferences.
• Cultural continuity - it helps to preserve cultural elements by passing them on successive generations.

Conflict perspective

• Power imbalance - celebrities often hold significant economic and cultural power. Unequal distribution of power between celebrities and their fans can contribute to societal tension
• Commodification of celebrity - celebrities commodified for profit by corporate interests 
• Social class disparities - consumption of celebrity lifestyles can highlight economic inequalities.
• Cultural hegemony - where dominant ideologies are reinforced through celebrity influence.
• Feminist perspectives - they argue that how commercialization of celebrity images, particularly female can lead to their exploitation, both in terms of financial gain and perpetuating harmful gender dynamics. 
• sexual objectification of females celebrites emphasizing how this contribute gender dynamics and public perceptions of women 

CWS is influenced by various social factors 

1. Societal values - cultural norms contribute to the phenomenon through media and entertainment. 
2. Media portrayal - portrayal of celebrities influence public opinions and attachments..
3. Social comparison and as social symbols - qualities they represent within society contexts 
4. Cultural shifts and social capital - celebrities can serve as a form of social currency
5. Societal embrace of individualism - it contributes to the celebration of unique personalities.

How it impacts on sociologically 

1. Social identity - celebrity connections to construct and express their own social identity, celebrity preference can become part of one self identity within a broader cultural framework.
2. Consumer culture - when celebrities often endorse products , influencing consumer choices. - commodification of celebrity images contributes to a a consumer-driven society 
3. Power dynamics - celebrities may hold influence over public opinions and perceptions. - power structure within society can be reinforced or challenged by the dynamics of celebrity Worship
4. Celebrity as a social institution - it can be seen as a social institution with its norms,values, and impact on societal structures . societal values can be reflected and reinforced by the prevalence of CWS
5. Family dynamics - disagreement or conflicts over the extent of celebrity Worship may strain family relationships.
6. Social alienation - intense focus on celebrity life may lead to social withdrawal. 

Delivery Boys and Maids should not use passenger lifts - Sociological perception

Conflict perspectives - restrictions may be viewed as a reflection of power dynamics within the community. It reinforce social inequality and perpetuates a system where the privileged maintain their social status.

Structural functionalist perspectives - this restriction could be justified as a way to maintain order and differentiate roles within the community and it uphold community norms.

Symbolic interactionism perspectives - this restriction defines who is considered a legitimate user of the elevator and who is not. 

Durkhiem anomie - such restrictions contribute to a sense of normlessness by creating arbitrary rules, - leads to social tension and breakdown in community cohesion.

Social exclusion and social capital - marginalization of certain groups and limit their access to shared spaces. 

Feminist views - this practice reflects and perpetuates gender based inequalities - gendered division of labor - stigmatization of domestic works - challenges to women mobility - impacting women autonomy. 

Occupational discrimination - leads marginalisation and stigmatisation of individuals based on their job roles. impacting social perceptions.

Social stratification - such rules maintanence of social hierarchies, reinforcing divisions between different occupational groups.

Impact of social networks and normalisation of exclusion - creating social divisions or reinforcing in-group/out-group dynamics.

Implicit bias and stereotyping - how societal behaviour and stereotypes lead to implicit biases.

Power dynamics - how power is distributed and exercised within the community.

Resistance and social movements - this restrictions might spark social movements advocating for fair treatment.

Socialization of children - it may influence the socialization of children within the community, shaping thier attitudes towards service workers.

Manual scavenging - Sociological perspectives

Why in News?

 • According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), a total of 530 districts (out of total 766) across the country had so far reported themselves to be free of manual scavenging.

What is manual scavenging - manual scavenging is the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, or handling human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It mostly involves using the most basic tools like buckets, brooms and baskets.

Conflict perspective - This inhuman practice has traditionally been enforced on a specific group of people labelled manual scavengers. 

1.Class struggle - seen as a result of class struggle, where the dominant classes benifit from the cheap labour of marginalized communities.

2.Economic exploitation - recieving low wages and minimal benifits, reinforcing the divide between the exploiters and the exploited. 

3.structural injustice - with unequal access to resources and opportunities.

4.resistance and movements - it highlights how resistance movement and advocacy groups emerge to challenge the status quo. 

5.social change - it emphasizes the need for societal transformation to address the systemic inequalities that drive manual scavenging.

Functionalist perspectives - this perspectives does not justify or condone the manual practice itself instead it analyzes it might serve certain functions within society.

1.Labour division - manual scavenging could be seen as serving a division of labour.

2.social cohesion - it reinforces a sense of community and interdependence as people rely on each other to maintain thier living environment.

3.social change catalyst - dysfunctional aspects of manual scavenging might serve as a catalyst for social change. 

4.maintaining status quo - manual scavenging might functioning to perpetuate existing social hierarchies by providing a demeaning occuption for marginalized groups. 

5.Job creation - in societies with limited formal job opportunities this practice can be viewed as providing some form of work. 

Feminist perspective - Dalit women who are forced to do this degrading work remain invisibles and are this relegated to the margin of the society.

1.Double Marginalization: Women engaged in manual scavenging face a dual burden of being marginalized due to their gender and their caste, leading to increased vulnerability and exploitation.

 2.Reproductive Labor: women's reproductive roles often extend to sanitation work, reinforcing the societal norm that their primary function is to clean and maintain the household.

3.Intersectionality: it recognizes the intersectionality of caste and gender, as women from lower castes face compounded discrimination and oppression.

4.Invisibility of Labor: Women's contributions to sanitation work often go unnoticed and undervalued, reinforcing the notion that their labor is less important and deserving of recognition.

Symbolic perspective - symbolic perspective highlights how manual scavenging serves as a powerful symbol that encapsulates complex issues of caste, identity, discrimination, and social change. It underscores the importance of understanding the deeper meanings and implications associated with the practice.

Social causes of manual scavenging.

1.Caste based occupational structure - caste hierarchy reinforces occupational hierarchy and idea of occupational purity and pollution are further embedded. 

2.Social stigmatization - people regard the manual scavengers as untouchables and a large section of society is not ready to accept and include them in community activities.

3.Lack or incomplete rehabilitation and employment opportunities - failure of state mechanism 

4.These occupationas are considered the social obligations of Dalits some think that it is an age old occupation and scavengers are doing a great service to the society.

5.Social Deprivation and Low Self-Esteem - absence of substantial or collective backing from human right activities.

6.Laws for ensuring social transformation lack social conscience - lacked the political will and legislations to abolish this practice could not be converted to social justice 

7.A blind spot in urban development discourse - absence of planning for the maintenance of sewerage due to intensive urbanization. 

8.Limited employment opportunities for marginalized communities

9.Social Apathy and traditional norms - Deep rooted cultural norms and beliefs may normalise manual scavenging as an occupation for certain communities. 

Women and Manual scavenging

Women largely continue to work as manual scavengers because of family pressure and lack of employment . 

       Women are worst victim of manual scavengers as they constitute most of the work force of manual scavengers . At least 80-90 percent of India's estimated 1.8 million manual scavengers are women , according to a campaign group of Jan Sahas . 

Women work is even very less paid than men. Women scavengers face triple suppression of caste , class and gender.

Characteristics of the women engaged in manual scavenging

1.Belonging to the lowest Rung of the society.

2.No Alternatives livelihood opportunity.

3.Stigmatized, humiliated and discriminated in every sphere of the life.

4.Less education and no livelihood assets eg. Farmland holding 

Social implications of manual scavenging 

1.Stigma and Social isolation - manual scavengers face social stigma and exclusion due to the nature of thier work..

2.Inter-Generational impact - children of manual scavengers often inherit the social disadvantages associated with thier parents occupation.

3.Dehumanizing forms of work - they face dual challenges that is of "Liberation" from inhuman work/practice and "Rehabitation" social and economic which are the prime needs of this community.

4.Violates the constitutional values - manual scavenging is violative of article 21 of the Indian constitution that guarantees Right to live life with dignity.

5.State failure - it question the legitimacy of the state - Abhishek Gupta critically examine the rights regime of the manual scavengers with reference to failure of the state in ensuring the scavenging community thier due rights and the role of the state instrumentalities as a violator. 

6.Caste-Based Discrimination: The practice reinforces and perpetuates caste-based discrimination, as lower-caste individuals are disproportionately affected, further entrenching social inequalities.

7.Social Awareness: The existence of manual scavenging reflects societal apathy and a lack of awareness about the rights and dignity of those engaged in this work.

NOTE- Sociological Analysis.

Answer Writing :-

      Now, all of you have been following my channel for quite a time, everytime we put up an analysis , a lot of you text how can we go through sooo many sources and references while writing an answer, while you have soo much to cover for the exam.

        Absolutely right, you cannot remember each and every point . That’s why we are going to help you how to stream line your thoughts for answer writing.

1. You need learn the chapter names of the syllabus of both paper 1 and paper 2.

2. You need start thinking points for each topic relevant to the answer.

Once you have grip on this practice , start structuring you answer. Every answer is like an essay which needs intro subject, body , conclusion.In sociology, the problem is you cannot limit the words maintaining the structure .

      That’s when you use your analystical skills, diagrams , charts , flow charts etc to explain the concepts. The analysis we do might seem impressive bcs we search for sources , we search for points.

     What you need to do to improve your answer writing is you need find examples for each topic in your syllabus , then apply those in various answer wiring practices. Then you can see the change.

                                  Team One-Liner Sociology 

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Haryana Cadre IPS officer Ayush Yadav - Talking about One Liner Sociology | CSE- 2022 | Sociology optional

Dear Madhu 

     I joined onliner Sociology channel in 2021 during my main preparation. I had scored a poor 100 marks in paper -1 Sociology in CSE-2020. so to enrich my answers with good examples and perspectives, I actually used your platform. It helped me to improve my score to 133b in paper- 01 in CSE - 2021.

      Thanks for putting in so much effort. I hope you grow further and help more and more aspirants who are stuck in optionals preparation. Thank you and good luck :)

Regards 

Ayush yadav 

IPS-2022

Sociological analysis On Freebies Culture in Indian politics

What is freebies culture 

            Freebies are promises made by political parties on they will provide the public for free if they win the election. Political parties offer free gas, electricity, scooters, bicycles, laptops with the internet, free bus tickets, phones, 

Historical baggage 

           Election freebies date back to Tamil Nadu. J. Jayalalitha, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, had made promises of free saris, pressure cookers, washing machines, televisions, and other items in the 1991 general elections. Since then election freebie culture has gained significance in Indian politics. 

Social factors for the rise of freebies culture 

1.Vote banks become more materialistic with changes in economic structure -changes in economic transformation and media landscape.

2.Criminalisation of politics - these candidates often resort to distribution of liquor, money , goods etc to lure voters. 

3.Legal lag - as far as the Indian context freebies are not precisely defined in the legal framework.

      ECI said it has no power to regulate the freebies offered by the political parties.

Social impact of Freebies culture 

Positive aspects

1.Women empowerment - Tamilnadu and Karnataka government free bus pass for women has encouraged more women to join the workforce - it leading stable families and make them more economically independent 

2.Sacrifices by the marginalized section - they give up lands for cities roads and dams. Thier kinship culture and lives got distrupted.

       World Bank recognised in the 1980 that the prevalent polices marginalize the poor and a Safety net ( freebies) is needed.

3.Welfare of the state and glaring inequality in the society. - such freebies become more useful for upliftment of lower strata people's . 

Negatives aspects 

1.Sociologists argues that these freebies are Elitist - construct - it means these are the opinion from higher class who are barred from availing those freebies.

2.Widening inequalities - the issue of intergenerational equity leads to greater social inequalities.

3.Unsolicited freebies encourage personality cults in a democratic polity 

4.Competitive manifesto - sometimes seem impractical and illogical and implementable. 

       14th finance commission chairperson NK Singh stated that freebies are a quick passport to fiscal disaster.

5.Undermines the spirit of democracy - distribution of freebies influences all people and it shakes the root of free and fair elections to a large degree 

5.Disrupt social order - hampering the overall societal development - social tension ( Ex- Srilanka ) 

6.Patron-Client Syndrome - Clientelism is a political or social system based on the relation of client to patron with the client giving political support to a patron (as in the form of votes) in exchange for some special privilege or benefit (freebies).

7.Rewadi culture - prime minister Narendra Modi called freebies as ( Rewadi culture ) and it dangerous for the development of the country 

Sociological Understanding of Manipur Violence

     

The Real cause of Conflict

          

          A high court direction to the state government on the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes category is the latest cause of the violent situation. Seeking an ST tag, the Meiteis have said they are facing difficulties due to “large-scale illegal immigration by Myanmarese and Bangladeshis”. The tribals, including Nagas, Zomis, and Kukis, have opposed this and held protests to “protect tribal interests”.

Social causes for violence

1.Institutionalization of communal bodies in state - which are backed by political parties.

2.Identity crisises - fear that grating ST status to meitei tribes would encroach upon thier rights, resources and threaten thier identity and culture

3.Cultural chavuinism and communal chivalry - notion of stigmatization and stereotypical prejudice that being attached to minorities like Pangals ( muslims )

4.State failure - union government failure to close peace talk,security lapse and intelligence failure 

5.Death of civil society - limited civil society space gradually been replaced by loosely organised violent crowds that engage in mob Lynch

5.Drug trafficking and cross border crime - the proximity to the golden triangle made Manipur vulnerable, this illegal activities fuel violence and social unrest in the region 

6.Relative deprivation - high unemployment rates and inadequate access of basic services

7.Identity politics - political power based on ethnic identities have contributed to inter-ethnic tensions and conflict.

8.Separatist insurgency - Meiteis who felt thier identification with Hindu india brought them no political and economic benefits

9.Ethnic strife and religious divide  - entire state policy remains polarised along ethnic lines and locals perceive that domination by outsiders is largely affecting thier social growth

10.Ethnic sub-nationalism - ethnic allegiance and identity have historically been in conflict with mainstream nationalism.

        🔸Consolidation efforts by different tribal entities are creating subterranean pressures 

Social implications of Manipur violence 

1.Resurgence of ultra-nationalistic tendencies - open confrontation can be seen between Meitei nationalsim and Naga ultra-radicalism.

2.Erosion of social fabric - inter-ethnic tensions fear and mistrust among communities have deepened, hindering social cohesion

3.Humanitarian crisis - violence induced displacement and sense of insecurity.

4.Political instability in state, brain drain and youth disillusionment

5.Weakening social cohesion and harmony - shoot st sight order , curfew and bandhas it distrupt the social order 

6.Weakening of composite culture - recent ethnic violence in Manipur remind that such wide integration is not as complete as beloved.

Jatin Jain AIR-91 UPSC CSE 2022 - Talking about One liner sociology

Myself, Jatin Jain I've secured AIR 91 in UPSC CSE 2022 with sociology as Optional. I have score 280 marks in sociology (146 in paper 2). One liner sociology channel and I have used selectively for the sociological Analysis of contemporary Issues and used that examples and keywords in paper 2 , and that had added values to my answer and I got good marks in paper 2. 

JATIN JAIN AIR-91 UPSC CSE - 2022

       Especially madhu v gowda sir the way of you connect the contemporary issues in sociology is amazing, best wishes to you Thank you sir 👍

Sources referred by Jatin Jain 

Sociological Analysis on Kantara Movie

1.Indigenous belief of Tulunadu tribal sanatana civilization - it reclaiming our civilization roots. 

2.Sacred and profane - Emile Durkheim in his " the elementary forms of religious life " says sacred things including religious beliefs rites anything like God spirit, a rock, a tree, a piece of wood. Therefore sacred things must be symbols - Wild boar which is symbol of the lands and forests in kantara.

       Profane - profane when the men choose to consider it's utilitarian values and not the instrumental values - King descendent has become greedy.

3.Question the legitimacy of the state - Eternal battle between development and conservation of forest environment, between community and state control. Community didn't enjoy ( legal lag ) any it's traditional rights 

4.Deep rooted feudalism - the villages landlord try to grab the village land which one his descendants 

5.Totemism - there were a set of rituals and practices which take place around this totem - powerful king searches for solace far and wide he eventually finds it in a small statues in a forest 

6.Rationalising the nature and man conflict - kantara reclaim the holistic balance between mother nature and human activity through age old traditions and culture

7.Identity crisis - local communities need to identify themselves as sacred custodians of the environment 

8.Symbolic three-way conflict - between the secular state ( represented by the unbelieving forest officer ) the faithful majority ( the descendants of the tribe ) traditional remnant of the old order ( the extractive landlord who nonetheless abides by communicating rules ) 

9.Rural Renaissance and representing cultural diversity - kantara try to depects the every village of India has a ritual of thier own which believes in natural deity that protects thier livelihoods.

10.Kantara also explore some serious issues like caste discrimination and presence of untouchability.

               if you think in the context of Bharat’s ancient beliefs of Hindu religious rituals, traditions and customs, every part of this country is bound by a common thread of devotion. That is the call of divinity Kantara has evoked in the majority.

Intergenerational marriage - sociological Perspectives

1.Social stereotypes - sometimes society disapproval differently aged spouses.

2.Contractualization of marriage for Visa, residence and agreements etc.

3.Conflunet love - according to giddens today relationship are based on compatibility, companionship and emotional support rather than traditional roles. 

4.cougar phenomenon - used to refer to middle aged women engaging in age-hypogamous sexual relationships.

5.Social acceptance of divergence in traditional relationship conventions due to westernization and globalization.

6.commercialization - dating website, parties annual meeting cruises organized for men interested in yougher women.

7.Social and demographic change - increased life expectancy in welfare socities hat not only resulted in increased common life time of parents but also in the increased existence of families with three and four generations.

8.beanpole family - is a multi-generational extended family, this means that there are many different generations within the family that have few siblings in each generation.

9.increase in rates of divorce and remarriage - due to changing the stracture of inter-generational marriage.