Live-in Relationships in India
A Systematic Review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21456731 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Shivangi Gupta (0000-0001-8265-710X, International Institute for Population Sciences, corresponding author), Manas Ranjan Pradhan (0000-0002-7011-894X, International Institute for Population Sciences) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-17 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-09 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Marriage & Family Review (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0149-4929 • E-ISSN: 1540-9635 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/01494929.2026.2644255 |
| OpenAlex | W7152449933 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 22 |
This study explores the nuances of live-in relationships from a socio-demographic perspective to understand the contemporary transformative phase of the marriage institution in India. The review was conducted using Google Scholar, Hein Online, JSTOR, SCOPUS, and Springer databases and was limited to English-language publications published between January 2000 and December 2024 that were fully accessible through full-text, adhering to the PRISMA principles. Thirty-four articles were selected using a keyword search and screening process in accordance with the eligibility criteria. Live-in relationships were present in India, mentioned in the ancient texts, and some indigenous tribes have practiced such arrangements for thousands of years in the country. The primary reasons for the emergence of a live-in relationship were individual freedom and the desire for identity for both partners. Youth perceive live-in relationships as an escape from the burdensome responsibilities of marriage, while society considers it taboo and stigmatizing, and, thus, immoral and unethical. Despite the legal acceptance of live-in relationships, they still face significant challenges in achieving social acceptance. The liberal attitude of the young generation, particularly in metropolitan cities, reflects a shift in attitudes toward marriage and the emergence of a second demographic transition in the country
Context (archaeology) · Identification (biology) · Perspective (graphical) · Set (abstract data type) · Variety (cybernetics) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Cyberloafing and Workplace Behavior · South Asian Cinema and Culture
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |