Marriage, a pivotal life stage in Indian society, is typically viewed as a lasting commitment where divorce carries stigma and is generally undesired. This qualitative study engaged 15 non-working Indian-Hindu women from Delhi through in-depth interviews, offering an insider's viewpoint on their experiences of marriage, separation, and life post-divorce. Thematic analysis highlighted key aspects such as conceptualizations of marriage, utilized coping strategies, and personal growth following separation. Although insightful, this study's scope is limited by its modest sample size and singular geographic focus. This research thus calls for additional exploration into the impacts of divorce across genders and diverse cultural and geographical contexts, as well as the need for longitudinal studies. Notably, the results emphasize the necessity for increased awareness of domestic violence, gender sensitivity, and the value of marriage counseling. The profound insights from this study offer a valuable resource for family life educators, therapists, researchers, and counselors, empowering divorced women and fostering positive changes within relationships.

Marriage, qualitative study, divorce, women's experiences, stigma, counseling, contributions, limitations

This study sought to investigate the complex lived experiences of marriage among fifteen women from high and middle-class families in Delhi who have experienced marital separation. Despite numerous accounts of dissatisfaction within their marriages, the vast majority of participants acknowledged the cultural normativity of marriage, approaching it with an inherent sense of inevitability. Marriage was often perceived as an immutable institution, with societal pressures playing a significant role in propelling women toward this path. These women found themselves adopting a flexible approach within the marriage, often modifying their behaviors and conceding to various marital norms in order to harmonize with their new families, even in the face of unexpected challenges and adversities. Notably, factors such as financial dependence, perceived permanence of marriage, the existence of children, the social stigma associated with divorce or separation, and the fear of solitude were identified as significant impediments to initiating the process of divorce. Furthermore, the study unveiled participants' conception of an ideal spouse. They portrayed a desirable husband as one who provides emotional care, promotes equality, and shows respect. An ideal wife, conversely, was depicted as proficient in domestic duties and family care. Alarmingly, the study also underscored that women were frequently objectified, and expected to conform to societal roles and responsibilities, often at the cost of their personal autonomy and privacy. This study serves as a critical exploration of the nuanced reality of marriage within this demographic, offering insights for understanding the constraints, adaptations, and cultural expectations that shape women's marital experiences.

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