ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to describe and examine changing marriage patterns of Indian Christian immigrants in the United States. It is based on a review of current literature and in-depth interviews with 15 Indian Christian immigrants, Catholic and Protestant, in the greater Chicago area. Indian Christian immigrants in the US, like other Indian immigrants, try to maintain endogamy. Historically, there has been little out-marriage among Indian immigrants in comparison to other Asian immigrant groups. The chapter concludes that there is some change in how Indian Christian immigrants marry, but small change in who they marry. Looking at endogamy amongst this group is significant, as it gives us an indication of both assimilation and racial tolerance. However, it is important to first understand how and when Indian immigrants arrived in the US, as the immigrant experience shapes the way that religious, racial and ethnic minorities develop their group identities.
