Transition in Planning and Purchasing of Trousseau between two Generations of Punjab

Abstract

In Punjab, the pattern of trousseau practices among women are undergoing discernible changes over the period of time. The present study explored all the forces, situations and factors that directly or indirectly affect the trousseau planning of inter-generational periods among women in Malwa region of Punjab. A total of 300 respondents from three cities (Ludhiana, Patiala and Bathinda) of Malwa region of Punjab were selected. The role of ‘decision maker‘ was very important that influence in the planning and purchasing of trousseau for brides between two generations. The results revealed that the concept of parents as a sole ‘decision maker‘ for planning and purchasing of trousseau for brides has declined over period of two generations. On contrary, the participation of individual and parents together as a ‘decision maker‘ for planning and purchasing of trousseau has significantly increased over this period. Among personal sources, the influence of family members in trousseau planning was reported to be significantly declined and the consideration of friend‘s opinion in executing trousseau planning has significantly increased between these two inter-generational periods. However, among impersonal sources, the media and exhibitions has been emerged as the main influencers of trousseau planning in the recent years. The respondents of first generation reported that ‘Price‘