Causes and consequences of changing family institution among farm families in rural Punjab
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Date
2016
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Publisher
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the causes and consequences of changing
family institution in two districts of Punjab by taking a sample of 320 respondents, with the
following objectives: (i) To highlight the changes occurring in the family structure of rural
areas, (ii) to pinpoint the factors responsible for the changes in rural families, (iii) to examine
the social, economic, cultural and psychological impact of changing role of families. Results
showed that proportion of Nuclear family has increased significantly from 31.88 % (1990) to
64.06% (2015) while, male domination among families was found positive at both points of
time. Data revealed that durable and agriculture items like television, mobile phones, car/
scooter, tractor, trolley have increased significantly from 1990 to 2015. Increasing
expenditure on food items, transportation, spending dowry and death rituals, social and
religious activities are proving responsible for generating changes in institution of family.
Respect of elders by children has declined significantly, as 84% of the respondent feel that
their importance had been decreased in the family. Place of giving birth to child has also been
changed from home (26%) to Hospital (74%) at two point of time. Agriculture has loosened
its position of prime occupation preference among farm families in recent past. Only 8 per
cent of the respondents prefer agriculture for their children. Socialization process of children
have changed as 82% of the respondents said that children use more technology in 2015
while, 29% and 41% replied that children do not attend family conversation and do not
perform household work respectively. The use of technology of various types has increased
significantly in family life from 1990 to 2015. A notable finding of study showed a shift from
individual (male) to collective decision with regard to various issues of families, particularly
the education of children. Similarly there is a decline in performance of various traditional
rituals. Increased show off culture (85%), impact of urbanization (64%), lack of job
opportunities (79%), self centered attitudes of family members (76%), increase use of
technology (85%) came out as main factors responsible for generating changes in the
institution of family. Lack of patience among members, increasing problem of aged and
children, increasing conflicts among families and changing types of families were major
consequences. Adequate interaction in family to keep the emotional bonding, judicious use of
technology, inculcating moral values among children and shunning the materialistic tendency
were some of the suggestions given for smooth functioning of families in the rural areas.
Description
Keywords
Farm families, Rural Punjab, Family Institution