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Virtual mate-seeking in the urban slums of Kolkata, India.
- Source :
-
South Asian Popular Culture . Jul2012, Vol. 10 Issue 2, p197-216. 20p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- This paper presents emerging research on young women's participation in virtual heterosexual mate-seeking in two bustees (urban slum communities) in Kolkata. I begin the paper by reviewing the context of online friendship, dating and romance in India. I show how greater educational and social achievements in the bustees are prompting some young Muslim women to pursue online friendship and mate-seeking. I explore how these young women are using schooling opportunities to learn computer skills, and using the computer to broaden their social worlds. I discuss the opportunities young women have to meet friends and partners online and how they sustain virtual relationships. For many, online friendships and mate-seeking can be a safe method to meet young men, as it reduces corporeal risks. This virtual world of relationships, however, is not entirely risk free. I discuss how the online nature of meeting young men is underpinned by discourses of distrust. Though the research group is small and participants represent a privileged population, the paper shows that virtual relationships are an emerging and experimental way young women are trying to alter their life course and expand their social circles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *INTERNET friendship
*ONLINE dating
*WOMEN'S education
*INDIAN women (Asians)
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14746689
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- South Asian Popular Culture
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 77330228
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/14746689.2012.682871