POLITICS OF INDIAN PARENTHOOD AND DIVORCE IN MANJU KAPUR’S CUSTODY

Abstract

Traditionally, parenthood is an important aspect of marriage. The institution of marriage legitimizes sex and procreation. Domestic life of individuals is thus organized with a sense of order. The social roles of individuals within family through marriage are governed by culture, custom, religion and law. But the turn of the century saw changes in these social institutions due to shifts in political, economic and cultural trends. The contemporary family trend highlights that these social institutions are losing their anchor and are giving way for new patterns, problems and solutions. Individual’s urge for freedom from rigid conventions altered basic human relationship such as husband-wife, father-mother and parent-child relationship. It suggests that the meaning of marriage, family and parenthood need to be redefined.