FROM MATRILINY TO THE MARRIAGE MARKET: A CASE STUDY EXAMINING THE GROWTH OF WOMEN'S TERTIARY EDUCATION IN KERALA, INDIA

Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to assess the different motivations for women who are pursuing their master's degree in English literature at a university in Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala. Kerala has the highest rate of female enrolment in higher education within India. A case study, with reference to current studies, was carried out. The study was qualitative in nature, using semi-structured interviews with 16 female respondents and 4 male respondents. The results of the study indicate that the respondents, who are largely middle-class, wish to pursue white-collar jobs, which is acceptable and even encouraged by their families. Macro-level factors, including globalisation, have led to the belief among the respondents that white-collar are acceptable and even beneficial in the marriage market. The marriage market also has a further role to play in the respondents' educational motivations; the respondents believe that a highly educated woman will attract a highly educated man and she will have less dowry to pay because her qualifications, highly valued in Keralite society, serve to enhance her appeal as a well-rounded, understanding future bride.