Patterns of Love: A Sociological Analysis of Attachment Styles and Socio-Cultural Influences in India

Abstract

This paper explores romantic relationships through the lens of attachment theory. It utilises sociological perspectives to reveal how early emotional patterns are shaped and sustained within larger cultural contexts. This paper undertakes a thematic review of recent Indian empirical studies (2018–2024) on adult romantic attachment, interpreting them through a sociological lens. It also highlights how behaviours, such as emotional withdrawal, insecurity, and trust issues, are not merely psychological but products of gendered socialisation, family dynamics, and caste-class hierarchies. This paper underscores the issue of emotional burdens being disproportionately placed on women, who are often expected to maintain relational harmony in patriarchal settings. By situating personal romantic struggles within broader systems of inequality, this paper challenges the individualistic framing of love and calls for a more intersectional and sociologically grounded understanding of attachment.