Kerala, often called “God’s own country,” is known for its stunning beauty, high literacy rate, and strong social safety net. But hidden beneath the beauty lies a surprising truth: more Keralite marriages are ending than ever before. Why is this happening?
This seems strange, right? Why are more marriages in Kerala ending in divorce than in other parts of the country?
Let’s untangle the knot: Several things are changing in Kerala, and these changes are affecting marriages:
Women are stepping up: Kerala’s traditional matrilineal system, where women inherit property and have more say in family decisions, is changing. Educated and financially independent, women are no longer willing to just follow tradition. They want marriages built on respect and shared dreams, which can clash with old expectations.
Long-Distance Love: Many Kerala men work far away, sending money back home to their families. This can be tough on marriages. Couples miss each other, communication gets tough, and feelings grow distant.
Family Matters: In Kerala, families are often very close-knit. This can be helpful, but it can also be too much sometimes. In-laws and other family members may get involved in couples’ problems, making it harder to solve them.
Living Together before Marriage: More and more couples in Kerala are living together before getting married. This can be a good way to get to know each other, but it can also mask problems that might come up later in marriage.
It’s important to remember that divorce statistics don’t tell the whole story. A higher divorce rate can also mean that people are more willing to leave unhappy marriages. This can be a good thing, because it means people are taking control of their own lives.
What Can We Do?
There are things we can do to help lower the divorce rate. For example:
Premarital counseling: This can help couples talk about important issues before they get married.
Mediation: This can help couples resolve conflict without going to court.
Mental health resources: These can help couples deal with stress and other problems that can lead to divorce.
Building Stronger Marriages:
Ultimately, the goal is to help couples build strong, happy marriages. This means communication, respect, and a willingness to work together through tough times.
Ultimately, Kerala’s rising divorce rate shouldn’t be seen as a tragedy. It’s a story of change, of individuals seeking happiness and fulfillment. And through it all, there’s also hope for stronger, more meaningful marriages in the future