Md. Nazrul Islam

Exploring the Causes of Inter-Religious Marriages in Bangladesh: A Socio-Cultural Analysis

Introduction

Exploring the causes of inter-religious marriages in bangladesh: a socio-cultural analysis. Explore socio-cultural factors behind inter-religious marriages in Bangladesh. Analyzes urbanization, education, media, local traditions, revealing value shifts and individual autonomy.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the socio-cultural factors behind the increasing practice of interfaith marriage in Bangladesh, with an emphasis on the dynamics of value shifts, identity construction, and marriage practices in the broader context of social change. Theoretical framework: This study uses a socio-anthropological perspective by referring to the theories of social change, secularization, and cultural integration to explain how the transformation of modern values and identities affects the practice of interfaith marriage. Literature review: Most previous studies have highlighted interfaith marriage from a legal, moral, and theological perspective. This study expands the discussion by emphasizing the influence of urbanization, education, media, local cultural traditions (Baul and Sufi), and individual autonomy as driving factors for interfaith interaction and marriage. Methods: Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis of seven informants (interfaith couples, parents, students, and scholars). The data was analyzed by thematic analysis to find the main patterns in respondents' experiences and views. Results: The study found that interfaith marriage in Bangladesh is influenced by urbanization, secular values, weakening religious authority, access to higher education, and media influence. The emphasis on individual autonomy as well as legal support through the Special Marriage Act of 1872 was also an important factor, plus inclusive cultural traditions such as Baul and Sufi. However, this dynamic creates tensions with Islamic law, family norms, and religious values. Implications: Implications of these findings include the need for legal reforms that balance individual rights and social harmony, the improvement of social literacy and interfaith understanding for education, and the role of religious leaders in fostering interfaith dialogue and awareness programs. Novelty: The authenticity of the research lies in its focus on the socio-cultural realities of couples and families, not solely on legal or moral aspects. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of urbanization factors, local cultural traditions, and family dynamics to explain the shifting boundaries of interfaith marriage in Bangladesh.

Review

This study embarks on a timely and relevant exploration of inter-religious marriages in Bangladesh, moving beyond conventional legal and theological discourses to delve into their complex socio-cultural underpinnings. The chosen socio-anthropological perspective, integrating theories of social change, secularization, and cultural integration, provides a robust framework for analyzing the interplay of value shifts, identity construction, and evolving marriage practices. By specifically focusing on factors such as urbanization, education, media, and indigenous cultural traditions like Baul and Sufi, the research promises to offer a nuanced understanding of a phenomenon that is increasingly prevalent yet often under-examined from this multi-faceted viewpoint. The qualitative methodology, employing in-depth interviews and document analysis with a diverse set of informants, is well-suited to capture the lived experiences and perspectives central to such a socio-cultural inquiry. The study’s key strength lies in its comprehensive identification of driving factors behind interfaith marriages in Bangladesh. It effectively highlights how urbanization, the rise of secular values, weakening religious authority, expanded access to higher education, and media influence collectively contribute to this trend. Crucially, the research foregrounds the growing emphasis on individual autonomy and the historical role of legal provisions like the Special Marriage Act of 1872, alongside the inclusive nature of local cultural traditions, as significant catalysts. The acknowledgement that these dynamics simultaneously create tensions with established Islamic law, family norms, and religious values demonstrates a balanced and realistic appraisal of the socio-cultural landscape, offering valuable insights into both the facilitative and challenging aspects of interfaith unions. The novelty of this research is particularly compelling, as it shifts the analytical focus from purely legal or moral considerations to the lived socio-cultural realities of interfaith couples and their families. By integrating factors such as urbanization, local cultural traditions, and family dynamics, the study provides a fresh perspective on the evolving boundaries of interfaith marriage in Bangladesh. The implications derived from these findings are significant, advocating for legal reforms that balance individual rights with social harmony, the enhancement of interfaith understanding through education, and the proactive involvement of religious leaders in fostering dialogue. This research thus makes a substantial contribution to the discourse, offering a holistic understanding that can inform policy, educational initiatives, and community engagement efforts in a diverse and rapidly changing society.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.