Paper short abstract:

A skewed ratio of women to men has led to brides being 'purchased' from economically marginalized states. The paper seeks to analyze the status of ‘migrant brides’ within the institution of marriage through the capabilities approach with a focus on women’s agency, freedom, and bodily autonomy. .

Paper long abstract:

Discriminatory practices and gender-based violence have been prevalent issues of concern in many states of India like Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh due to deeply rooted patriarchal beliefs. Gender-based violence, sex-selective abortions, discriminatory practices against girls and expensive dowries continue to challenge the goals of gender equality. Gender-based discrimination has deprived women of their basic rights to education, mobility, choice of partner, employment, and ownership of property/land. This limits women’s overall development and growth. Advancement in new reproductive technology has exacerbated the issue of gender biased sex selection or sex selective abortion, thus resulting in a significantly skewed sex ratio.

A skewed ratio of women to men has led to brides being 'purchased' from economically marginalized states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. As a result, these migrant brides are forced to negotiate with 'new' cultural and social situations. The paper seeks to understand the struggle, exploitation, and abuse experienced by these 'migrant brides' residing in three villages, namely Pipli village in Kharkhoda Tehsil of Sonipat District, Deroli Ahir village in Narnaul Tehsil of Mahendragarh District and Gurana village in Baraut Tehsil of Bahgpat district. While the status of women within marriage continues to be devoid of any awareness around reproduction, the seeking of brides from far off regions outside caste and class boundaries, results in much less bargaining power for these women. While our research reveals not all these women were forced into these marriages, their negotiating powers and capabilities remain diminished because of their location .

In the light of these observations, this paper encapsulates the paradoxical situation of sex ratio imbalance and migrant brides in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh by highlighting the narrative of these women in the larger social context. Through these narratives, the paper seeks to analyse the status of ‘migrant brides’ within the institution of marriage, through the capabilities approach with a focus on women’s agency, freedom, and bodily autonomy. The paper reflects on intersections between violence, vulnerabilities and their ‘silenced’ voices to capture the loss and reclaiming of basic liberties, agency and capabilities.