Indian Youth in the Midst of Crisis and Challenges

Over one-third of the Indian population is made up of young people aged between 15 and 34 years. Such a large, young population is an asset to any nation, but today, young Indians are grappling with multifarious challenges hindering their growth. This book analyses factors that influence the youth’s decision-making processes, their navigation of societal norms, education choices, identity formation, and the evolving perceptions of tradition and modernity. It focuses on the changing patterns of marriage among the Indian youth, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing changes in youth transitions and social reproduction in a modern society. The findings presented in the book provide crucial insights into how young Indians perceive their roles within their families, communities, and the broader society. The volume also offers valuable guidance on how to support and empower the next generation to build a resilient and prosperous future.

Lucid, accessible, and empirically grounded, the book is indicative of the momentum and direction of change in the country. It will be useful to scholars and researchers of sociology, political sociology, political studies, youth psychology and anthropology. It will also be of interest to policymakers, journalists, and the interested general reader.