Concept Note: Family (Dis?)harmony in Intercultural Marriage in Nepal

(Amit Raj Shrestha)

Intercultural marriage is a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in Nepal in recent times. While this trend represents a positive shift towards multiculturalism, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant issues associated with intercultural marriage is the potential for family disharmony. When individuals from different cultures come together to form a family, there can be significant cultural clashes that can lead to disagreements and conflicts within the family. These disputes can result in serious consequences for the couple and their children, including divorce, social isolation, and emotional distress.

In light of these challenges, it is crucial to raise awareness about the aftermath of intercultural marriage, especially among the youth and parents who are about to see their children get married. This e-poster aims to spark dialogue and encourage discourse on different facets of intercultural marriage that are least talked about openly but are being discussed with friends. By fostering an open and honest conversation about the complexities of intercultural marriage, we hope to help individuals make informed decisions about their relationships and create a more harmonious society that embraces multiculturalism.

Target Audience

The primary target audience for this e-poster is the youth and parents in Nepal. The e-poster will be created in the Nepali language, as it is the most commonly spoken language in the country. The secondary target audience includes people who are interested in understanding the challenges of intercultural marriage in Nepal.

Media Product

Type of the product

The e-poster will be designed as a series of visual stories that depict the consequences of family disharmony in intercultural marriage. The e-poster will be published on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, which are widely used in Nepal.

First part

The story of the e-poster will follow a couple belonging to different castes who get married despite mild opposition from their parents. The daughter-in-law is forced to adhere to the family’s norms and values, which mostly apply to her. Being an independent woman, she starts raising her voice against discrimination and gender-based division of work, which her in-laws do not like. They discuss the matter with their son and reprimand him to correct his wife’s behaviour. Later, she is neglected and forced to seek help from a professional psycho-social counsellor. After some time, both of them are forced to leave their home and start their home separately, further being outcasted. Her husband has her back, and she pursues her career as an academician while continuing to receive counselling services. The first part of the story ends with the two of them sharing a heartwarming meal.