Q.4) Discuss the changing nature of families in India. What are the main reasons behind it?

Family is a social institution to meet the needs of individuals of personal support, social and economic sharing etc which has undergone changes time and again.

The changing nature of Families witnessed is-

1. Old parents in villages and Adults finding a living in urban areas- Due to search for better working opportunities and standard of living, adults are immigrating in urban areas leaving their parents and sometimes, even their wives and children in villages.

2. Shift from nuclear to Single person families- This is seen among educated classes who in search of jobs are shifting to metropolitan towns. Also, Since now girls are also getting education and job opportunities which has given them independence to live alone. But, this does not mean that individuals do not recognize links with other members of their family. They become occasional visitors to their family home.

3.  In Metropolitan towns, there is small shift towards joint family is seen too. Its not because of all people being involved in same business activity unlike in the past, but because of the rising cost of living in such towns which is forcing brothers to live together.

4. Live-in marriages, single parents etc is new reality which has also given rise to new family structure too

Therefore, society is a dynamic institution and As society progresses, many needs of the individuals are taken care by market which changes the mindset and desire for family. Family as an institution is not becoming redundant but the people who comprise a family is changing.