Urbanization affects not only the family structure but also intra and inter-family relations, as well as the functions the family performs.
With urbanization, there is a disruption of the bonds of community and the migrant faces the problem of replacing old relationships with new ones.
The relationships of community living tend to become impersonal, formal, and goal-oriented. I.P. Desai (1964) showed that though the structure of urban families is changing, the spirit of individualism is not growing in the families. He found that 74 percent of families were residentially nuclear but functionally and in property joint, 21 percent were joint in residence and functioning as well as in property and 5 percent of families were nuclear.
Aileen Ross (1962) in her study of 157 Hindu families belonging to the middle and upper classes in Bangalore found that
- about 60 percent of the families are nuclear
- the trend today is towards a break with the traditional joint family form into the nuclear family form into the nuclear family unit.
- Small joint family is now the most typical form of family life in urban India.
- Relations with one’s distant kin are weakening or breaking.
Thus, the increase in numbers involves changing the character of the social relationship, the absence of anonymity, and the segmentalization of human relationships.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of family in society?
- Families are the building blocks of society, providing emotional support, nurturing, and guidance to individuals. They offer stability, a sense of belonging, and a framework for socialization. Additionally, families contribute to the transmission of cultural values, traditions, and norms across generations, thus playing a crucial role in the continuity of society.
2. How do families vary across cultures?
- Families vary significantly across cultures in terms of structure, roles, and dynamics. In some cultures, extended families, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, play a central role and often live together. In contrast, nuclear families, consisting of parents and children, are more common in Western societies. Cultural norms also influence gender roles within families, as well as expectations regarding marriage, child-rearing, and caregiving responsibilities.
3. What is the impact of technology on family dynamics?
- Technology has both positive and negative effects on family dynamics. On one hand, it facilitates communication and enables families to stay connected over long distances through video calls, messaging apps, and social media platforms. However, excessive screen time can lead to decreased face-to-face interaction within families, potentially affecting bonding and communication. Additionally, technology can blur boundaries between work and home life, leading to challenges in maintaining a healthy balance.
4. How do families adapt to changes in modern society?
- Families adapt to changes in modern society through various means, such as adjusting traditional gender roles, embracing diverse family structures, and utilizing new technologies for communication and organization. Flexibility and open communication are crucial for navigating challenges such as dual-career households, single parenthood, and blended families. Moreover, support networks, including extended family members, friends, and community resources, play a vital role in assisting families during times of transition and adversity.
5. What role does kinship play in shaping family relationships?
- Kinship refers to the social bonds and relationships based on blood ties, marriage, or adoption. It plays a fundamental role in shaping family relationships by defining roles, obligations, and expectations among relatives. Kinship systems vary across cultures and influence patterns of inheritance, residence, and authority within families. Understanding kinship dynamics is essential for maintaining harmony and cohesion within family units, as well as for navigating complex networks of relatives and extended family connections.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
