Research Area

Caste segregation is prevalent in India and within the South Asian community in the United States, where many people organize their social lives based on class or caste hierarchies. Marriage in the South Asian community is considered a union and bonding between two families rather than individuals. Despite the growth of the South Asian population in the U.S., there is very little research on the lives of Sikh Punjabi American women and their lived experiences of intercaste marriages. I sought to highlight the experiences of women who may have defied their potential cultural limitations and had an intercaste marriage. An individual’s caste is predetermined at the time of birth thus an individual has no choice over what their caste is nor can they change their caste throughout their life. Couples who defy this social norm face severe consequences including, but not limited to being shunned from the community, driven out of their parental home, and in the worst-case scenarios, killed which is known as honor killings. This study aimed to address the gap of knowledge and lack of available data concerning the experiences of intercaste marriages and the psychological impact that they may have on an individual. There is very little information about the lives of Sikh Punjabi American individuals in the United States let alone of women’s experience of intercaste marriages.

​

Inspiration

My interest in this topic grew from my own experiences of prejudice within the caste system and the effects it had on my relationship with my parents. Growing up, I witnessed how the caste system shaped people's attitudes and behaviors especially when it came to relationships. When I entered into a relationship with someone from a different caste, I faced significant opposition, especially from my own family. This created a deep sense of internal conflict as I found myself torn between my personal feelings and the expectations placed on me by my cultural and familial background. The emotional strain, the sense of alienation, and the pressure to choose between love and family led me to explore how these dynamics affect individuals. Understanding how caste-based prejudice can impact relationships, mental health, and family bonds became something I felt compelled to research further, in the hope of contributing to the dialogue around caste and its effects on people's lives.

​

Advice for Other Researchers

Researching deeply personal topics can be challenging, and it is important to prioritize self-care throughout the process. I strongly recommend seeking support from your committee and colleagues, as well as considering therapy, as the research journey can be emotionally activating and demanding.

​

Current Position, Career Goal, and/or Research Agenda

I am a postdoctoral psychology resident at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services in Arizona. Working in a public health setting has given me the opportunity to provide individual, family, and couples therapy while serving a diverse range of clients. Throughout my residency, I have also had the privilege of conducting pre-doctoral internship interviews and supervising three interns, which has further enhanced my clinical and leadership skills. My long-term goal is to continue working with underserved communities and to make therapy more accessible.