Perception and attitude of post graduate youths towards inter-caste marriages: A sociological study of Utkal University students

Attempt has been made through this dissertation to study the perception and attitude of post-graduate youths of Utkal University students towards inter-caste marriages. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, primary data were collected from 50 respondents (equal proportion of male and female) of the target group through structured questionnaire by adopting simple random sampling. The rationale behind choosing the Utkal University for study is that a large number of youth are reading here. It is observed that while 76% respondents believe in inter-caste marriage. But it is lower in case of interreligious marriage as 66% respondents believe in interreligious marriage. While 24% respondents don't believe in inter-caste marriage, higher proportion (i.e., 34%) don't believe interreligious marriage. The percentage of respondents believing in inter-caste marriage in case female (72%) is lower than that of male (80%).It means the taboos against inter-caste marriage are stronger for women than men as Inter-caste marriage is more consequential for women since they adopt the caste of their husbands. Similarly, among various castes, while highest proportions of SC/ST believe in inter-caste/interreligious marriage, and among various religious communities, highest proportions of Hindu believe it. However, if violence erupts, in case any inter-cast marriage, only 58 % of respondents told to support it. Despite so many clamour, meeting, publicity in favour inter-caste/ interreligious marriage, no respondent was found who know any instance of inter-caste/inter-religious marriage, which is arranged one but not triggered by love relationship. It means whatever inter-caste/interreligious marriage; we see, are spawned by love relationship only. It is a matter utter surprise that in present modern era, still some youth (12% of our respondents) advocate for laws to prevent inter-caste/inter religious marriage. However, while 72% of respondents agreed that inter-caste marriage is less resisted in urban than rural area, only 60% agreed that resistance to inter-caste marriage would be lower if spouse from low caste has higher education/jobs/wealth. Surprisingly, many enlightened and kindhearted people support/ approve inter-caste marriage in heart, but don't dare to break caste shackle and prefer to settle down with socially cultural familiar person for marriage of their children. Effort should be made to dismantle reprehensiblecaste system and encourage inter-caste marriage.