Are We Losing the Foundations of Civilisation in the Name of Modernity?
By Bhagwan Prasad Gaur, Udaipur
A civilised society is not defined by the sophistication of its technology, but by the stability of its relationships and the balance within its social structure. When relationships shift from being permanent bonds to convenience-based, paid arrangements, it is not merely a lifestyle change—it is a serious social warning.
The recent emergence of the so-called “rented husband” practice in Latvia reflects this warning clearly. Under this system, women hire men on an hourly basis for household work, repairs, or social companionship. While some view it as a practical solution, a deeper look reveals a troubling trend towards the commercialisation of human relationships.
When Relationships Become Contracts: Convenience or Crisis?
When a husband, friend, or companion can be replaced as per need, the core values of relationships—trust, responsibility, and sacrifice—begin to erode. Such arrangements may keep society moving, but they do not give it direction. This resembles a society that has speed, but lacks thought and wisdom. The situation in Latvia is not an isolated case. Practices such as “rent-a-friend” services, festival-based rented relationships, and contract-driven cohabitation in various parts of the world point to rising loneliness and the gradual breakdown of family structures in modern societies.
Growing Family Instability in India
In India, this trend has not yet taken an institutional form, but its symptoms are becoming increasingly visible. In recent years, incidents such as marital violence linked to personal relationships, families breaking apart due to illicit affairs, and deep psychological impacts on children have risen. This is not merely a law-and-order issue—it signals a steady erosion of social values.
Falling Gender Ratio: A Future Social Challenge
The declining gender ratio remains a matter of concern in several Indian states. In many regions, the imbalance has persisted for decades, with figures in some districts still remaining below 900. This is not just a demographic statistic. Social history shows that when natural gender balance is disturbed, marriages become difficult, relationships turn transactional, and social tension increases. The situation seen in Latvia, where a higher female population has contributed to unconventional relationship models, demonstrates how demographic imbalance can reshape social structures.
Employment Inequality and Mental Health
Another critical dimension is growing inequality in employment. In some sectors, hiring women at lower wages is increasingly seen as “cost-effective”. This cannot be termed empowerment or equality; it reflects imbalance in the labour market. At the same time, economic pressure, social expectations, and emotional stress on men are steadily increasing. Higher rates of depression and suicide among men indicate this hidden burden. This is not a problem of one gender—it reflects the failure of the broader social framework.
Digital Platforms and the Consumption of Relationships
Today, digital platforms openly offer “companion services”, “no-attachment relationships”, and similar arrangements. These are often presented under the banner of personal freedom. However, their larger impact is the transformation of human bonds into consumable products. When companionship, dialogue, and emotional connection become services to be purchased, trust and stability within society weaken.
Physical and Emotional Decline
Modern lifestyles have reduced physical activity and increased screen dependence. Easy access to explicit content has also filled relationships with unrealistic expectations, leading to dissatisfaction, violence, and emotional distance. These trends are steadily damaging both physical and mental well-being.
Culture Versus Modernity
In Indian tradition, marriage and family have never been mere social institutions—they are deeply rooted cultural values. Modernity should not mean abandoning these foundations, but strengthening them in line with changing times. If relationships become purely convenience-driven, society cannot remain stable. This would not be progress, but a civilisational crisis.
The example of Latvia offers a glimpse into a possible future. The time has come for India to strike a balance between modernity and tradition. Preserving relationships is not only a personal responsibility—it is a national social priority. A society that loses its relationships ultimately loses its identity.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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