Abstract
The dissertation examines how the Indian community in Durban has retained their
marriage practices after migrating from India and how they are practiced today.
The fieldwork was conducted from January to May 2004. Taking the practice of
marriage as the point of reference, this dissertation explores identity among
young Indians in South Africa and the modernization of their identities. The
dissertation explores the reasons for the decline or reinvention of the practice
of arranged marriages. It is further discussed whether the reasons are the need
for revival of tradition, practical arrangements or embodied values. The dynamic
between individualism and collectivism is revealed through the constant reflexivity
of whom and how to marry. Embodied values are discussed as being under constant
revaluation of the cognitive mind where culture is enacted. With the underlying
basis of the dynamic between individualism and collectivism and through the
discussion of the tension between embodied values and the cognitive mind in
interaction on identity and arranged marriages, informants show an active part
in constructing and reflecting upon their future lives. In this regard, arranged
marriages are shown to be a fruitful area in which to research continuity and
change in a complex society.