Navigating The Dynamics Of Joint Family System In Modern India: A Sociological Study

Abstract

This research examines some of the main causes of the traditional joint family system’s continued vitality in India. We seek to show that the Indian family is a pragmatic response to the forces of modernity. The traditional family structure seems to offer a necessary corrective in terms of a sense of location, personal identity, self-worth, social position, and obligation in modern life precisely because modernity emphasizes social estrangement and cultural diversity. In addition, it is likely that the old and new will continue to be accommodated and adapted within the context of Indian experience. In India, the Hindu joint family system has long been a significant and enduring social institution. This research gives a brief overview of the historical development, distinguishing features, and current relevance of the Hindu joint family system. It has historically provided a solid foundation for preserving cultural values, social cohesiveness, and economic stability. Hindu joint families have been a significant and enduring social structure for centuries since they have been embedded in India’s cultural and historical landscape. Numerous generations coexist under one roof in this traditional family structure, also known as the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), which is characterized by a strong sense of kinship and the sharing of resources and duties. Ancient Indian literature like the Manusmriti and Dharmashastras, which not only supported the joint family but also included it into the larger cultural and religious conventions of the time, are where its historical relevance can be found.