Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system. (UPSC CSE Mains 2015 - Sociology, Paper 2).
The Indian family system has undergone significant structural changes over the years due to various socio-economic, cultural, and demographic factors. These transformations have been the subject of extensive research and studies.
Important Studies on Structural Changes in the Indian Family System:
- Irawati Karve''s "Hindu Joint Family: A Norm or an Ideal" (1953):
- Irawati Karve''s seminal work examined the transition from the traditional joint family system to nuclear families in India. She analyzed the factors contributing to this shift, including urbanization, industrialization, and changing attitudes towards individualism.
- N. Srinivas''s "The Changing Position of Indian Women" (1978):
- N. Srinivas, a renowned sociologist, conducted extensive research on the changing roles and status of women within Indian families. His work explored how modernization and urbanization were impacting women''s roles in both rural and urban settings.
- Amartya Sen''s "More Than 100 Million Women Are Missing" (1990):
- Amartya Sen''s groundbreaking research highlighted the issue of gender-based discrimination and the skewed sex ratio in India. His work shed light on how son preference and female infanticide were affecting the structure and dynamics of Indian families.
- Dyson and Moore''s "On Kinship Structure, Female Autonomy, and Demographic Behavior in India" (1983):
- This influential study explored the relationship between kinship structure, female autonomy, and demographic behavior in India. It provided insights into how family systems impact fertility rates and population growth.
- IIPS National Family Health Survey (NFHS):
- The IIPS (International Institute for Population Sciences) conducts periodic National Family Health Surveys in India. These surveys provide a wealth of data on various aspects of family structure, reproductive health, and gender dynamics. Researchers and policymakers rely on NFHS data to understand and address changes in the Indian family system.
Examples:
- The decline of the joint family system in urban areas, where nuclear families have become more common, reflects the impact of urbanization and changing employment patterns.
- Studies on the increased age at marriage and delayed childbearing among women in India illustrate changing family dynamics as women pursue education and career opportunities.
The structural changes in the Indian family system are a complex and evolving phenomenon influenced by a multitude of factors. The studies mentioned above, along with many others, have contributed significantly to our understanding of these changes. They highlight the interplay between cultural norms, economic development, gender dynamics, and demographic shifts, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers working towards improving family well-being and gender equity in India.
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