Explain the structural and functional changes in the Indian family system. (150 Words) (10M)
The family is the basic unit of society, Indian family system as a social institution has undergone structural and functional changes because of various reasons such as urbanization and industrialization.
Structural and functional changes Smaller family sizes: The traditional large-sized joint family
which was a socioeconomic unit, has been replaced by small-sized nuclear families.
Change in the relationship between man and woman: Women are no longer considered inferior to
men, now they enjoy equal status with men. They are no longer subjected to slavery as in past and have equal participation in all matters
Economic independence of women: Women are working shoulder to shoulder with men and working in almost all sectors that were earlier prohibited to them, that provided them economic independence
Neo-Local Residence: More young married couples are setting up their residence near their office or working areas, which are mostly away from rural areas.
Functional jointless: The married sons who have set up independent households continue to maintain their connections with their joint families in their native places. Some of them continue to full fill their
obligations to their parents and siblings. But the ties between neolocal residents and their native place are growing very weak.
Decreased control over Marriage: The Institution of marriage is witnessing drastic changes, both
men and women are independent to choose their spouse and the involvement of marriage bureaus had led to more diversification in marriages.
Exercise of authority: In the traditional family, power and authority was totally vested in the Patriarch. In contemporary families, the authority has shifted from patriarch to parents who consult
their children on all important issues before taking any decisions about them.
Increased freedom of children Children started discussing their problems with their parents. They
discuss issues like education, career, and marriage. Which was a rare case earlier
Reasons for change in Indian family structure:
Legislative measures: Prohibition of early marriage and fixing the minimum age of marriage by the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 have lengthened the period of education for women and men giving them time to take the right decision.
Influence of western values: Values relating to modern science, rationalism, individualism, equality, free life, democracy, freedom of women, etc. have exerted a tremendous change on the joint family system in India.
Industrialization: Industrialization resulted in the migration of rural populations to the urban areas for jobs, which had broken their relationships with the joint family. Thus, modern industries shattered the
very foundation of the joint family system in India.
Urbanisation: Urbanisation has emphasized individuality and privacy which encouraged the
establishment of independent family units.
Family as a social institution is in the process of constant changes, modern families are also witnessing several changes, like the emergence of same-sex couples, single-parent households, and increasing
cases of divorces. Hence, we will witness more structural and functional changes in the family system
Poverty entails more than the lack of income and productive resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods. In this context explain how a multi-dimensional approach is necessary to achieve sustainable development goals pertaining to poverty. (150 Words) (10M)
According to the United Nations (UN), Poverty entails more than the lack of income and productive resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion, as well as the lack of participation in decision-making.
There are 17 SDGs, that recognize ending poverty and other deprivations by improving health and education, reducing inequality, and improving economic growth through a multidimensional approach.
Multi-dimensional approach:
Education and learning opportunities: Education has a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals e.g., level of income, ability to choose the profession of one’s preference, etc so education for all will help to solve many poverties issues
Ending hunger and malnutrition: Health issues have a long-term impact on earning capacities of individuals thus impacting their capacity to raise their income and account for a crucial form of deprivation. Thus, addressing malnutrition goes well beyond the basic need for food and income.
Clean Water and sanitation: Everyone should have access to safe and affordable drinking water and
sanitation facilities. Access to safe water and sanitation is necessary for good health. Poor sanitation has
health repercussions e.g., diseases like Polio are caused by poor sanitary conditions.
Gender Equality: Patriarchal and social norms have restricted women from economic opportunities. This deprivation reduces the capacity of women to achieve outcomes, according to their capabilities e.g., restrictions on women joining in armed forces
Employment Generation: Laborintensive manufacturing has the potential to absorb millions of people
who are leaving farming e.g. restaurants, hotels, agriculture, mining, as well as healthcare and caregiving. Such sectors should be thoroughly supported
Access to credit: Credit facilities will open new dimensions in innovation and gives the opportunity to explore new areas that further can provide a livelihood to many abled and needy
Standard of living: Electricity, flooring, drinking water, sanitation, and cooking fuel are basic necessities of life. These are minimum standards that states should provide everyone to eradicate poverty.
Despite rapid growth and development, an unacceptably high proportion of our population
continues to suffer from severe and multidimensional poverty. Thus, a more comprehensive and inclusive approach is required to eradicate poverty in India.
