Driving in from the airport we talked with our driver about his life. He has five children and is very proud that his one daughter is finishing community college. Asked what she planned to do. He said she would be wife, mother, and stay at home. That this is the tradition of his people and is a given. I asked what if she decided she wanted to work. He said it is not done in his family.
Our Guide yesterday explained to us why she believes the Caste system is good and very much alive though no longer official. She said each caste has its own gods, prayers (needs are different), culture, traditions. She said they would be most comfortable with "their own". Sound familiar?
She said most marriages are still arranged by family. She feels they can decide better than the "children". That marriage for love dies fast. Families can look at the things the couple have in common and take a more holistic view. (added later) We had another view from our guide in Kolkata whose son's marriage he had arranged was a complete failure and his son blames him for ruining his life as remarriage is not acceptable.
She showed us housing of some government employees. The size of the house is totally based on the level of the job . The lowest level gets1 room and the most they can get is 4. I asked what happens if they have a large family. She said it has nothing to do with the family. It is what the man gets for that job level.
Our Guide yesterday explained to us why she believes the Caste system is good and very much alive though no longer official. She said each caste has its own gods, prayers (needs are different), culture, traditions. She said they would be most comfortable with "their own". Sound familiar?
She said most marriages are still arranged by family. She feels they can decide better than the "children". That marriage for love dies fast. Families can look at the things the couple have in common and take a more holistic view. (added later) We had another view from our guide in Kolkata whose son's marriage he had arranged was a complete failure and his son blames him for ruining his life as remarriage is not acceptable.
She showed us housing of some government employees. The size of the house is totally based on the level of the job . The lowest level gets1 room and the most they can get is 4. I asked what happens if they have a large family. She said it has nothing to do with the family. It is what the man gets for that job level.
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