Causes for the changes in the family system.

by - September 23, 2023

Causes for the changes in the family system. 

Factors that influence the change in family pattern. 

What are the elements responsible for change in family pattern ? 



Causes for the changes in the family system. 

Factors that influence the change in family pattern. 

Factors responsible for changes in the family system or structural and functional changes in the family are – 

1. Modern Education System :- One of the main features of the modern education system is the formal curriculum and education for earning. These two issues have caused considerable changes in the attitudes, beliefs, values, ideals etc. of individuals. As a result self-centeredness, sense of individualism, laxity in family relations, self-reliance mentality, living according to independent thinking, women's self-awareness - etc. These issues have directly and indirectly changed family structure and functions. 

2. Industrialization :- The modern mechanized, factory-based industrial system has greatly influenced people's thinking and actions. The expansion of industry has provided individuals with new avenues and opportunities for livelihood. Individuals are forced to develop their new residences in industrial areas. As a result, family ties have loosened. Industrialization provided opportunities for economic independence to the younger members of the family. This economic independence motivated them to be freed from the authority of elders. Dependency among family members in financial matters is reduced. 

3. Urbanization :- The development of urbanized civilization is largely responsible for the transformation of joint families into single families. Man naturally thirsts for happiness - ease and freedom - which he finds in many urban lives. Economic freedom on the one hand, consumerist desire on the other - these two combined have made the family members move towards the city. Urbanized single family has been created. A study by three sociologists - Ross, Gore and Milton Shinger - found that urban life has weakened the joint family system and expanded the single family system. 


4. Changes in Marriage System:- Earlier marriage was arranged. The role of family elders was very important in this marriage organization. At present, their role in romantic marriage is absent today, in this case, the role of bride and groom is more important today. This change in the marriage system has brought about massive changes in the structural and functional aspects of the family as a whole. 

5. Various Acts :- Various constitutional laws in India are responsible for the change in family. The laws are – 
(a) Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 and Hindu Marriage Act 1955 - Child marriage is prohibited by these two laws. As a result children get a longer time for their education. This results in their personal opinion - which affects the family's authority over him. 
(b) Special Marriage Act 1954 - This Act gives freedom and right to choose a bride and groom, regardless of religion-caste-at a certain age, without the opinion of parents. It undermines family authority over marriage. 
(c) Widow Remarriage Act 1856 - This Act reduced the authority of the family over widows as a basis for legal recognition of widow remarriage. 
(d) Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and Hindu Succession Act 1956 - these two laws allow divorce and equal share of daughters in father's property respectively. 
The first is the empowerment of women in the family sphere and the second is the economic independence of women. 

The above laws directly and indirectly contribute to changes in family members' relationships, family structure and family stability in Indian families. 

6. Western influence:- There is a huge difference between Indian society and western society - culture and mentality of individuals. Indian Hindu families have been influenced by various Western ideologies and changed. Disorganized modernity, consumerism, rationalism, individualism, equality, independent living, women's freedom, live together etc. are notable among these topics. 

7. Women's Movement and Women's Liberation:- Substantial change in the role of women in the family has brought about a change in the role of the family. Behind the change in the role of women, the expansion of women's education, women's liberation, equal rights as men in all fields, women's freedom, women's empowerment, etc., are attributed to various movements, thoughts and laws created as a result. 

Finally, the structural and functional changes of the family have been achieved due to the above reasons.

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