Is Toxic Masculinity the Real Reason for India’s Marriage Crisis?
Nikita Kanyal | Mar 01, 2025, 22:16 IST
Is toxic masculinity the concealed factor contributing to India’s marriage crisis? With increasing divorce rates and more women declining marriage, often, feminism and contemporary dating are blamed. However, the genuine problem? Men not willing to progress. Indian women possess financial independence, emotional intelligence, and refuse to endure dominating, emotionally distant husbands. Still, numerous men anticipate obedient wives, traditional gender roles, and complete authority. Are Indian men prepared for equal partnerships, or will their antiquated mindset lead to the perpetual failure of marriages?
Marriage in India has historically been viewed as the ultimate achievement. However, in recent times, the increase in unsuccessful marriages, postponed weddings, and escalating divorces has alarmed the country. Although many attribute this to feminism, ambitious women, or contemporary dating practices, the actual issue may be toxic masculinity. Are Indian men having difficulty adapting to the changing times? Is their unwillingness to progress contributing to the most significant marriage crisis India has ever faced?
The Traditional Indian Husband: A Role That No Longer Works
For centuries, Indian males have been conditioned to think that a ‘good husband’ entails being the provider, protector, and leader of the family. At the same time, women were anticipated to be compliant, manage the home, and be emotionally present at all times. However, contemporary Indian women are educated, financially self-sufficient, and not ready to compromise. The conventional role of the husband is obsolete, and men who are resistant to change often face difficulties in their relationships.
Why Are Women Saying No to Marriage?
Men Expect Traditional Wives in a Modern World – Many Indian men still want a woman who will cook, clean, and ‘adjust’ while they continue to live as they please. But today’s women demand equal partnerships, not servitude.
Lack of Emotional Maturity – Toxic masculinity teaches men that showing emotion is ‘weak’. This creates emotionally unavailable husbands who fail to communicate, empathize, or support their partners.
The Career Clash – A financially independent woman is often seen as a threat, not a partner. Many men still expect their wives to sacrifice their careers for the marriage, while they continue to prioritize their own ambitions.
Controlling Behavior – Many Indian men are raised in patriarchal households, where women’s freedom is restricted. They carry these attitudes into marriage, expecting to control what their wives wear, where they go, and even who they talk to.
The Divorce Boom: Women Are Choosing Freedom Over Toxic Marriages
Indian women are no longer afraid of divorce or staying single. With financial independence and a growing support system, they are walking away from unhappy marriages. The statistics don’t lie:
Deep-Rooted Conditioning – Boys are raised to be dominant, strong, and emotionless. ‘Be a man’ culture prevents them from evolving into supportive, emotionally available partners.
Social Pressure – Friends, family, and society push men to maintain male dominance in marriage. Any sign of compromise is seen as ‘losing control’.
Fear of Losing Privilege – Equality in marriage means men will have to do household chores, share financial burdens, and treat their wives as equals. Many men refuse to let go of their advantages.
The Way Forward: Can Indian Marriages Be Saved?
Yes but only if men evolve. If Indian men want to find love and sustain successful marriages, they must:
Embrace Emotional Intelligence – A healthy marriage needs open communication, vulnerability, and mutual support.
Accept Household Equality – Cooking and cleaning are not ‘women’s duties’; they are life skills every adult should have.
Support Women’s Careers – A successful wife isn’t a threat. Marriage should be about partnership, not control.
Drop the Ego – True strength isn’t about dominance, but adaptability and respect.
Is Toxic Masculinity Killing Marriage in India?
The answer is yes. Women are no longer willing to settle for emotionally distant, controlling, and unequal marriages. If men refuse to change, they will be left behind. The question isn’t why aren’t women adjusting anymore?—it’s why are men still expecting them to?
The Traditional Indian Husband: A Role That No Longer Works
Traditional Indian Husband
( Image credit : Pexels )
For centuries, Indian males have been conditioned to think that a ‘good husband’ entails being the provider, protector, and leader of the family. At the same time, women were anticipated to be compliant, manage the home, and be emotionally present at all times. However, contemporary Indian women are educated, financially self-sufficient, and not ready to compromise. The conventional role of the husband is obsolete, and men who are resistant to change often face difficulties in their relationships.
Why Are Women Saying No to Marriage?
Saying No to Marriage
( Image credit : Pexels )
Men Expect Traditional Wives in a Modern World – Many Indian men still want a woman who will cook, clean, and ‘adjust’ while they continue to live as they please. But today’s women demand equal partnerships, not servitude.
Lack of Emotional Maturity – Toxic masculinity teaches men that showing emotion is ‘weak’. This creates emotionally unavailable husbands who fail to communicate, empathize, or support their partners.
The Career Clash – A financially independent woman is often seen as a threat, not a partner. Many men still expect their wives to sacrifice their careers for the marriage, while they continue to prioritize their own ambitions.
Controlling Behavior – Many Indian men are raised in patriarchal households, where women’s freedom is restricted. They carry these attitudes into marriage, expecting to control what their wives wear, where they go, and even who they talk to.
The Divorce Boom: Women Are Choosing Freedom Over Toxic Marriages
Divorce Boom
( Image credit : Pexels )
Indian women are no longer afraid of divorce or staying single. With financial independence and a growing support system, they are walking away from unhappy marriages. The statistics don’t lie:
- Divorce rates in urban India have doubled in the past decade.
- More women are delaying or rejecting marriage entirely.
- Court cases related to domestic issues have skyrocketed.
- The reality is simple: Women are done tolerating toxic masculinity.
Why Aren’t Indian Men Changing?
Social Pressure – Friends, family, and society push men to maintain male dominance in marriage. Any sign of compromise is seen as ‘losing control’.
Fear of Losing Privilege – Equality in marriage means men will have to do household chores, share financial burdens, and treat their wives as equals. Many men refuse to let go of their advantages.
The Way Forward: Can Indian Marriages Be Saved?
The Way Forward
( Image credit : Pexels )
Yes but only if men evolve. If Indian men want to find love and sustain successful marriages, they must:
Embrace Emotional Intelligence – A healthy marriage needs open communication, vulnerability, and mutual support.
Accept Household Equality – Cooking and cleaning are not ‘women’s duties’; they are life skills every adult should have.
Support Women’s Careers – A successful wife isn’t a threat. Marriage should be about partnership, not control.
Drop the Ego – True strength isn’t about dominance, but adaptability and respect.
Is Toxic Masculinity Killing Marriage in India?
The answer is yes. Women are no longer willing to settle for emotionally distant, controlling, and unequal marriages. If men refuse to change, they will be left behind. The question isn’t why aren’t women adjusting anymore?—it’s why are men still expecting them to?