Professions in Transition: A case of Marriage Brokers

Abstract

Traditional marriages are characterized by the involvement of parents in the search for picking a preferred choice for concluding the wedding of their son or daughter. Intermediaries played a crucial role in bringing together alliances from far and wide. Such individuals were usually professionals specialized in the field called as marriage brokers. Over time, as a consequence of many changes in society, the practice of individual doorstep services gave way to walk-in institutional services. These came to be known as Marriage Bureaus. The invasion of technology in all walks of life further transformed the practice. Online platforms and application services emerged. This paper is an attempt to capture the transformation from person-based to institution-based and technology-based services so as to throw light on the traditional occupational role of brokers. The shift from person-managed to technology-managed service is to be seen as a change from custom to system. This study is a qualitative study undertaken in Kerala, a traditionally compact society where the prevalence of the custom is glaring to illuminate. In-depth interviews were conducted through a purposeful selection of respondents including beneficiaries of services and veteran brokers. The study examines brokering as a profession in traditional societies and attempts to articulate the change in practices.