Emerging Marital Realities in Asia: Disability, Care Work, and the Transformation of Marriage in Kashmir

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of married couples where one or both partners have disabilities in Kashmir, examining how disability reshapes marital dynamics, care work distribution, and family structures within a South Asian cultural context. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 married individuals (9 couples) and 12 family caregivers, this research reveals complex negotiations of intimacy, communication, economic survival, and social inclusion. Findings indicate that marriages involving persons with disabilities challenge traditional gender roles while simultaneously reinforcing gendered care responsibilities, particularly for women. Four major themes emerged: (1) communication adaptations and emotional labor, (2) economic vulnerability and social welfare dependency, (3) stigma navigation and family integration, and (4) intergenerational care obligations. The study contributes to disability and family scholarship by documenting how South Asian families transform marital practices to accommodate disability while maintaining cultural values around family cohesion and mutual support. Implications for policy, social services, and family support interventions are discussed.