essay on joint family vs nuclear family

Nuclear Family vs Joint Family Essay

Mostly, there are two types of the family i.e. Joint family and Nuclear family, joint family systems are very ancient in the society of India.

Many differences are found in various religions, castes in terms of property rights, marriage, divorce etc. Yet the ideal of joint family is acceptable.

The reason for joint family in India lies in ancient traditions and ideals in addition to the economy of the farming.

This ideal is transmitted to the people through the epic of Ramayana and Mahabharata, but nowadays people are living in single family.

Prior to single family people lived together in joint family, there was a head in the joint family, whom everyone believed.

Joint families are ending nowadays and there has been an increase in single-family due to many reasons.

Nuclear Family vs. Joint Family Essay:

A typical single family is a husband, a wife, some children, the number of members in a nuclear family is very small.

In the joint family system, the number of dependents living under the roof is very large.

The grandparents, married brothers, sisters, son’s wives, grandchildren, grandchildren, other dependents and relatives living in a joint family.

Responsibility:

The responsibility of one nuclear family rests on the couple.

The joint family system places a responsibility on the head of the family, trains elderly youth for various occupations, marries them, gives them the start of life, and takes care of the frail and the old.

Binding of unity and affection:

Compared to the nuclear family, there are higher bonds of unity and affection between members of each other family and relationships in a joint family.

In a joint family, the prosperity and adversity of the family are shared equally.

A subsistence single family is dependent on the spouse or both.

A joint family system ensures the least subsistence of all family members

In single family, young couples get more freedom, they can do the things they love freely.

They can also take a risk with their money and demonstrate their commercial nature.

In joint family, individuals get less independence.

Family members have joint rights in family property and property, there is less potential for personality development.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Joint family Vs Nuclear Family Essay:

Experience and self-reliance:

In joint family i.e. where there are experienced married couple as parents who can give good advice to new couple.

Other experienced and intelligent members like grandparents, uncles and aunts can also help the new couple to manage with those problems.

Along with this, the attitude of looking at domestic problems in the joint family is also different.

Others get experience in joint family, so that you can solve problems easily and correctly, such as raising children, solving financial and marital problems.

On the other hand, in a single family, the couple has the freedom to make decisions themselves.

In a single family, the couple can make all the rules, rituals or traditions according to their own this creates self-sufficiency in them.

Raising children:

Raising children in a joint family is satisfactory, but it is difficult to teach them discipline because there are many instructors.

But in a single family it is easy to discipline a child because the children get all the instructions from their parents only.

In such a situation, the child easily accepts everything from the parents and behaves properly.

Everyone’s loneliness:

A child living in a single family feels lonely because he has no siblings to play as a joint family.

In distinction, this does not happen in a joint family.

Many times in single family parents are making mistakes, then there is no one to fix it, which has a bad effect on the upbringing of children.

Outside interference:

A single family is a separate couple family that survives the hassle of other reforms.

Due to lack of members and no interference in a family, the couple get a chance to understand each other.

All members in the joint family help each other. For example, you will also get support from other members of the household in handling the newborn.

Status of women:

The condition of women in the joint family is not very good, it only lives in the kitchen and the education of children, whereas in a single family, women have the right to live their own life.

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Conclusion:

There are various advantages and disadvantages of joint family as well as single-family, but in the end, it is entirely up to you in which circumstances you want to raise your life and your children.

There is nothing right or wrong, some people prefer to live in single family and some in joint family.

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Home » Public » People » Difference Between Nuclear Family and Joint Family

Difference Between Nuclear Family and Joint Family

The main difference between nuclear family and joint family is that a nuclear family is a small family unit consisting only the parents and their children, while a joint family is a larger family unit consisting the extended family as well.  

Nuclear Family and joint family are two types of families that can be observed in the society around us. A nuclear family has an adult couple and their children. A joint family, on the other hand, extends beyond a joint family as it includes multiple generations living under one roof. Both these types of families have their own pros and cons.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Nuclear Family      – Definition, Nature, Characteristics 2. What is a Joint Family      – Definition, Nature, Characteristics 3. What is the Difference Between Nuclear Family and Joint Family      – Comparison of Key Differences

Conjugal Family, Joint Family, Nuclear Family

What is a Nuclear Family

A nuclear family is a family that consists of two married parents and their children, all living under one roof. There can be any number of children in a nuclear family. The children can be the couple’s biological children or adopted children. A nuclear family is usually centred around the married couple. This is also known as a conjugal family .

The concept of the nuclear family has evolved over time; traditional nuclear family typically included married partners of opposite sexes. However, today, partners of the same sex ( gay or lesbian couples), unmarried partners who raise child/children together also fall under the category of a nuclear family.

Furthermore, nuclear families are a very common concept in the modern world, especially in western countries. There are both pros and cons of nuclear families. In nuclear families, one or both partners may work outside the house. If only one parent is working, the family may face financial problems; especially, if that family have many children. If both parents are working, they may face problems with taking care of the children alone; for example, if both spend a lot of hours out of the house, children will be alone at home.

What is a Joint Family

A joint family is a family that extends beyond a nuclear family, consisting of several generations – children, parents and grandparents. It may also consist of aunts, uncles and cousins. The main feature of a joint family is that all these relatives live under one roof. A joint family usually forms when children (usually either sons or daughters) do not leave their parents’ home at marriage but bring their spouses to live with them. Typically, a joint family may consist of an older man and his wife, his sons their wives and children, and unmarried children.

A joint family has both pros and cons. Since there are more than two adults in a family, they have a larger income. The burden of earning will not fall on the shoulders of only one member. Moreover, members of a joint family share all the tasks such as cooking and child-rearing. Since there are many adults in the house, children may spend more time with them, and receive adult guidance and care. Besides, children of joint families tend to be more accommodative and adjusting than children brought up in nuclear families. However, a joint family may allow less privacy and may hinder individual expression.

A nuclear family is a family that includes two adult spouses and children whereas a joint family is a family extends beyond a nuclear family as it includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A nuclear family is typically smaller than a joint family.

Moreover, a nuclear family has two parents and their children, while a joint family usually has grandparents, parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

In a nuclear family, one or both parents have the responsibility to earn an income. However, in a joint family, usually more than two adults work, and financial responsibilities are shouldered jointly.

Children in a nuclear family may not spend a lot of time with adults at home, especially if both parents are working. In contrast, there are other adults to take care of the children, even if both parents are working.

A nuclear family has an adult couple and their children. A joint family, on the other hand, extends beyond a joint family as it includes multiple generations living under one roof. The main difference between nuclear family and joint family is that a nuclear family is small while a joint family is big. 

1. “Joint Family.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 20 July 2017, Available here . 2. Applebury, Gabrielle. “Definition of a Nuclear Family.” LoveToKnow. LoveToKnow Corp. Accessed May 11, 2020. Available here .

Image Courtesy:

1. “Happy family image” (CC0) via Free SVG 2. “Multi-generational Family Clip Art” (Public Domain) via Public Domain Vectors

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Nuclear Family and Joint Family

• Last Updated: Aug 15, 2023

A family forms the first line of socialization for an individual and plays a pivotal role in shaping their perspective and behavior. The two primary types of family structures worldwide are nuclear family and joint family. A nuclear family typically includes parents and their offspring, while a joint family is an extended kinship network consisting of grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Nuclear Family

A nuclear family, also referred to as an elementary family, consists of two parents and their children, all living under one roof [1] . It is considered the basic unit in many societies.

Joint Family

A joint family, or an extended family, is a large family unit that includes three or more generations living together. It includes the parents, their children, and other relatives such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins [2] .

Comparison Between Nuclear and Joint Family

Advantages and disadvantages of a nuclear family.

• Autonomy : Nuclear families provide a high degree of independence and freedom to make decisions [3] .
• Financial Management : It is simpler to manage expenses and savings as there are fewer family members involved.
• Less Conflict : There may be fewer conflicts and disagreements as fewer people live together.

Disadvantages

• Lack of Support : In a nuclear family, parents often need to manage work and childcare simultaneously, which can be stressful.
• Lack of Shared Responsibility : With fewer adults in the household, responsibilities cannot be distributed as evenly as in joint families.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Joint Family

• Shared Responsibilities : Duties and tasks are shared among members, reducing individual workload.
• Support Network : Joint families offer a built-in support network in terms of child-rearing, elder care, and emotional support [4] .
• Preservation of Traditions : Traditions and cultural practices are more likely to be preserved and passed down through generations.
• Less Privacy : Due to the large number of family members, privacy can be limited.
• Conflicts : Larger family sizes can lead to more disagreements and conflicts [5] .
• Financial Pressure : The responsibility of supporting a larger number of people may result in financial pressure.

Changing Trends in Family Structure

Over time, societal shifts and economic pressures have led to a transformation in family structure. More families are transitioning from joint to nuclear families, primarily due to urbanization and globalization.

However, there is also a new trend of ‘joint-nuclear’ families emerging, especially in urban areas. These are nuclear families that maintain close ties and frequent interaction with their extended families while still maintaining separate households. This system aims to blend the benefits of both nuclear and joint families.

The Way Forward: Building Healthy Family Relationships

Regardless of the family structure, what matters most is creating a supportive, nurturing environment. Open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities can foster healthy relationships within any family setting.

Whether it’s a nuclear family offering a sense of autonomy or a joint family providing a robust support network, each family type has its unique strengths. Recognizing these strengths and navigating through the challenges will help maintain harmonious relationships within the family.

In conclusion, both nuclear and joint families have their distinct advantages and challenges. The choice between a nuclear family and a joint family can depend on several factors, including cultural norms, economic conditions, personal preferences, and the need for support or autonomy. The family type does not determine the quality of relationships and values within; instead, it’s the nurturing environment that makes the family healthy and fulfilling.

[1] O’Neil, D. (2006). Nuclear Family: Definition, Advantages & Disadvantages . Study.com.

[2] Oxford Reference (2021). Extended (or joint) family . Oxford University Press.

[3] McGoldrick, M., Carter, B., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2016). The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives . Pearson.

[4] Beteille, A. (1961). The Joint Family and Social Change . Economic Weekly.

[5] Jayson, S. (2005). Family Face-off: Traditional vs. the Modern . USA Today.

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Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family: Advantages And Disadvantages

A family is that ‘umbrella’ whose worth isn’t understood until the turbulent clouds loom over you. Yet, when you turn upward with an expectation that somebody will act the hero, the primary quiet steps moving toward  you will be of your relatives. This is ‘FAMILY’. You grow up together, learn together; concur deviate; battle and make-up, proceed onward in your lives, however eventually, when you need somebody, you know your kin and your family will be there ASAP.

India has consistently been known for its rich culture, different dialects, and for the arrangement of living in a joint family. A joint family doesn’t just mean a gathering of individuals living respectively, it implies that these individuals are attached with a blood connection and decide to live in a solitary family for some reasons – some of the time out of will and now and again due to impulse.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Living in a Joint Family

A child is never lonely.

On the off chance that you are a functioning mother living in a joint family, you can have confidence of your kid’s every day needs. In the event that you are stressed over who will serve him food or deal with him when he is debilitated, you need not. As you probably are aware in a joint family, there will consistently be individuals to take great consideration of him.

Satisfaction Doubles

In case you have at any point lived in a joint family, you probably encountered that sharing little delights and accomplishments with your relatives makes them so cheerful. Indeed, even little accomplishments are cheered by everyone. What’s more, at the times of distress, your family is consistently there to help you.

You Learn the Art of Sharing

In the event that you notice a kid brought up in a family unit and the one brought up in a joint family, you will notice distinction in their conduct. A child raised with numerous individuals is clearly more friendly however he likewise has a propensity for sharing. Living in a joint family instils the propensity for sharing from adolescence. In the event that your youngster has a chocolate, he will realize that he needs to disseminate it among his kin and cousins.

You Learn to Respect

Experiencing childhood in a family with such countless seniors builds up a feeling of regard for other people. Holding your tongue under control around older folks, regarding them, and submitting to their orders by one way or another shapes your character. What’s more, an individual who shows regards and approaches others with deference is constantly valued.

Schooling Beyond Books

The training of a kid living with aunties, uncles, cousins, and grandparents isn’t simply limited to scholastics and school yet the skyline of his schooling is a lot more extensive. Living with grandparents, a kid gets to know the universe of their occasions. With aunties and uncles, he gets comfortable with their battles. All things considered, living in a joint family causes one to comprehend that there is a whole other world to instruction than simply textbooks.

The Feeling of Togetherness

On the off chance that you live in a joint family, you can be certain that your kid won’t ever be exhausted or feel alone. He will consistently have cousins as his sidekicks. He won’t ever be denied of companions as he will always have his cousins to play with. As he develops, his bond with his cousins will just improve. In the forlorn swarmed world, your youngster will consistently have somebody to share his issues.

Love and Care

The amount of adoration and care that one gets in a joint family can’t be expressed in words. On the off chance that you are wiped out or pitiful, you won’t ever get yourself alone. There will consistently be individuals to deal with you. It is the significant advantage of living in a joint family; the adoration you get is endless and something you can never pay off.

Benefits of Nuclear Family

Advancement of personality.

Family unit assumes a significant part in the advancement of character of people. Kids are all the more near the guardians and can have all the more free and plain conversation about their issues with guardians which helps for the better advancement of their character.

Better Condition of Women

In family units the state of lady is superior to joint families. She gets sufficient opportunity to care for her kids. She additionally gets time to design and deal with her home as per her own thought. There is no obstruction of seniors. Her better half can likewise give more consideration regarding the spouse in family unit.

Less number of kids

Family arranging program gets fruitful in family units. The individuals from family unit need to plan and restrict their family as they need to bear every one of the duties and costs themselves to raise their youngsters. The kids likewise are profited over the long haul as they acquire straightforwardly property from their folks.

Harmony and Peace

Harmony and concordance are basic for a lovely day to day life. In nuclear families there is no misconception and they partake in an agreeable air by living respectively.

Issue Free Unit

There is no possibility of parents in law struggle. Monetary issue doesn’t emerge in nuclear families. Cash can be put something aside for future accomplishment and to confront dubious emergency of family. All appreciate autonomous life and can be occupied with any financial exercises to enhance family pay. The will of kids are thought of and are given legitimate weight. All individuals from family unit are passionate gotten. No prevalence complex is felt by anyone. All are given equivalent weightage.

Singular Responsibilities

In family unit there is no moving of obligation like in joint family. The guardians will undoubtedly assume liability of their kids without anyone else. The head of family needs to endeavor to deal with his family.

Along these lines, settle on a savvy choice and recall that you can generally defeat entanglements with tolerance and love. All things considered, a joint family additionally has some great advantages, particularly for your children whose grandparents love them!

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Nuclear Family vs. Joint Family: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, decision-making, financial model, child upbringing, social structure, nuclear family and joint family definitions, nuclear family, joint family, how do children's experiences differ in nuclear and joint families, what is the size comparison between nuclear and joint families, can nuclear and joint families coexist in the same society, how does decision-making differ in these family structures, how does emotional support work in joint families, what is a nuclear family, are financial responsibilities different in nuclear and joint families, how does the child-rearing approach vary between these family types, what are the emotional dynamics in nuclear families, how do living arrangements differ in nuclear and joint families, what are the benefits of a nuclear family setting, what defines a joint family, what is the impact of family structure on children’s social skills, how are elders integrated into joint family life, what are common challenges in joint families, how does culture influence family structure, what is the typical role of elders in nuclear families, what advantages do joint families offer, how do nuclear and joint families adapt to modern challenges, what challenges do nuclear families face.

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Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family – A Brief Discussion

In the mazes of human relationships, family holds a special place. It provides a support system, a sense of belonging, and emotional strength. Families come in different shapes and sizes, and two prevalent structures are the joint family and the nuclear family. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the choice between them a deeply personal and often complex decision. However, before getting into this discussion, let’s understand what is a nuclear family ? Also, what does it mean by joint family?

Understanding Joint Family and Nuclear Family

Joint Family - A joint family, also known as traditional family , is a traditional family arrangement where multiple generations – grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even relatives – live together under one roof. This system develops a sense of togetherness and shared responsibility among family members.

Nuclear Family - A nuclear family, on the other hand, consists of only the immediate family members – couples and their children – living together. This structure promotes independence and self-sufficiency among family members. So, those who are wondering what is nuclear family, need to know that it is a small part of traditional family.  

Benefits of Joint Family

There are countless benefits of traditional family . Given below is a list of advantages of living in a joint family setting.

Emotional Support - Joint families offer a strong emotional support system as there are more people to share joys and sorrows.

Financial Security - Shared financial responsibilities often provide a more secure economic environment for everyone involved.

Cultural Preservation - Traditions, values, and customs are easily passed down from one generation to another within a joint family.

Child Care - With multiple adults around, children receive more attention and care, ensuring a nurturing environment.

Disadvantages of Joint Family

While there are so many benefits of joint family, one cannot deny the fact that it has a few downsides as well.

Lack of Privacy - Limited personal space and privacy can lead to tension and conflicts among family members.

Dependency - Individual decision-making might be curtailed due to the influence of elder family members.

Conflict - Differences in opinions and lifestyles can lead to disputes that are often challenging to resolve.

Benefits of Nuclear Family

Nuclear family comes with a lot of advantages. Here are some benefits to consider.

Independence - Nuclear families enjoy greater independence and freedom in decision-making. It allows individual growth.

Privacy - Each family member has their own space. Nuclear family is known for ensuring privacy and personal freedom.

Flexibility - Nuclear families can adapt more easily to changes and make decisions swiftly. This is a luxury joint family does not offer.

Focused Attention - Parents can concentrate more on the upbringing of their children. It ensures a focused approach to their education and well-being.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Family  

Like traditional family, nuclear family comes with some downside as well. So, people who are wondering what is nuclear family, need to consider the cons before coming to any decision.

Limited Support - In times of need, there might be limited emotional and financial support, as the family network is smaller.

Loneliness - The absence of constant company, especially for the elderly, can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Increased Pressure - Parents in nuclear families often face heightened pressure in balancing work, parenting, and household responsibilities.

Joint vs. Nuclear: Which One Is Better?

The question of whether a joint family or a nuclear family is better cannot be answered definitively. It greatly depends on individual preferences, cultural backgrounds, and specific circumstances. Some may find immense comfort in the warmth of a joint family, while others may thrive in the independence of a nuclear setup.

Lastly, both joint and nuclear families have their merits and drawbacks. The key lies in understanding the needs and aspirations of your family members and choosing a structure that promotes harmony, mutual respect, and overall well-being. After all, the essence of a family is not defined by its structure but by the love, care, and support its members provide to one another, regardless of how they choose to live together.

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Debate on Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family | Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family Debate, GD Topic

March 7, 2022 by Prasanna

Debate on Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family: A very good morning everyone. honorable judges, respected guests, teachers and my fellow students. I, Shradha Agrawal feel honored to have been given the opportunity to speak on the debate on joint family vs nuclear family.

A very popular phrase “United we stand, Divided we fall” isn’t this true for the Joint families. Yes, it is. Here I will be speaking in favour of joint families.

You can also find more Debate Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Debate on joint family vs nuclear family is a never-ending topic.

Both nuclear and joint families have their own advantages and disadvantages. But according to my own experience, those who are living in a joint family are the blessed one.

What do people think of a joint family? Is it many people living under one roof? No sorry to say a joint family is much more than that.

Family is the soil where roots of many people are held together and from where we grow as an individual, yet attached to the roots growing into a big tree.

If you listen to the debate on joint Family Vs Nuclear Family you will find Joint families have many more advantages over nuclear families.

• Members of joint families are less likely to suffer from anxiety, loneliness and depression. Each member of the family can seek help from anyone without any hesitation and they would surely get help from someone. Whenever you need someone to talk with you would definitely get someone around you very easily. You are never supposed to be alone in the house.

But in the case of living in a nuclear family when you are stressed out or had an anxiety attack, you would be in a state of discomfort but you won’t find someone to talk to or share your problems with. This is the reason most of the youth in the country belonging to nuclear families are getting involved in taking drugs, alcoholic drinks and becoming addicted to them just because of coming out from depression.

• People living in joint families will learn the importance of adjustment and sharing from childhood because when many people are living under one roof, it requires adjustment and understanding to prevent conflicts.

Kids are taught to share whatever they get or have with their siblings as well as cousins. The concept of ‘sharing is caring’ becomes normal in a joint family, making every individual less selfish and more generous.

Today every corporate talk about sharing, teamwork. This is what a joint family teaches a child.

• In joint families, elderly parents will get the support of grandchildren. Young parents will get the help and experience of their parents in raising their kids. Kids can get plenty of affection, love and care from parents, grandparents and other extended family members. Children can have proper guidance and support from grandparents. Overall a kid is raised with proper attention, love, care and will also learn ethics and morality. When both the parents are working, they don’t have to worry about their children being left back in the house. The support of their parents will be of great help.
• Members of the joint family can sustain even in cases of sudden job losses because most probably there will be more than one earning person in a joint family. Every earning member contributes to the family’s larger goals. The responsibilities of the family are shared by every individual of the family. Joint families are cost-effective units. Shared responsibilities will reduce the burden on everyone.
• Functions and festivals will be super fun. Because of the number of members in a family even a small festival turns into a big function. People living in a joint family do not have to search for happiness outside, they will get it in their home itself.
• When you are living in a joint family, you don’t have to rely on babysitters to take care of them while you go to work or they are never left alone at home. They will be taken care of with love and affection and are always in safe hands. Increasing cases of child kidnapping, human trafficking is worrying issues for parents, but in joint families, this fear will be lesser because there will be a number of people to take care of their children. Parents have the freedom to make time to socialize, catch up with each other at a private dinner, or hang out with friends without worrying about their children.
• People in joint families will get plenty of support in difficult times. There are many experienced people to solve and share their problems.
• People who were raised in joint families can easily mix with other people. As children are adapted to live with different people of different nature, it’ll be very helpful to them in having an active social life.

As a part of this debate on Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family I want to highlight the advantages of a joint family.A joint family is like an  ‘umbrella’ which gives you shelter from strong sunlight and stormy clouds. But, when you are stuck up in any problem and lookup with the hope that someone will come to your rescue, the first approaching steps will be of your family members.

Over the past years, the number of joint families all over the world has declined.

Education, westernization, failure of agriculture, unemployment and migration has resulted in the rise of nuclear families all over the country. With the increase in urbanization, nuclear families are taking over the joint family systems.

But when having a debate on joint family Vs Nuclear family you will realize Joint families are many times better one. But things like depression can be only fought by living with a healthy and happy group of people, which is possible in joint families.

Whoever wins the debate on joint Family Vs Nuclear family, finally, I would like to conclude my debate on Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family by a very famous quote “Nuclear Weapons aren’t much of a threat, today; compared to the Families of the World going Nuclear.”

FAQ’s on Debate on Joint Family Vs Nuclear Family

Question 1. What does a joint family teach you?

Answer: A joint family teaches you many human values like, loving each other, caring for each other, doing things together, being th+ere for each other. It is not only a group of people who live together, who care for each other, who love each other but those who are ready to give up anything if required to stay together.

Question 2. What are the characteristics of a joint family?

Answer: A joint family consists of grandparents, par­ents and children. All members of a joint family live under one roof and share a common kitchen.

In general, members of a joint family worship a common god called “kuldevta”.

A joint family shares their income or has a common business. Generally, the head of the family manages the joint property on behalf of all its members.

And acts as the head of the family.A joint family consists of three nuclear fami­lies and three generations living together.

Question 3. Why are joint families fading nowadays?

Answer: Over the past few decades, the number of joint families in all parts of the world has declined. Due to the impact of urbanization, education and westernization, large-scale migration has resulted from rural areas to urban areas.

This has contributed to the disintegration of joint families in India. The failure of agriculture, unemployment and migration has resulted in the rise of nuclear families all over the country.

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Apt Parenting

Nuclear Family Vs. Joint Family – The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

A joint family consists of related members of a family living under the same roof, and conversely a nuclear family is just a single family. There are some genuine differences in the two concepts and every system has merits and demerits of its own.

There are several definitions of ‘family’ and from the viewpoint of sociology, ‘a social unit or institution of member’s living together’ is understood to be an apt definition. The importance of family is highly pronounced as it is a basic building block of the society and having a family is one of the most important necessities of every human being. Civilizations such as Roman, Vedic, Babylonian, and Greek, had highly sophisticated and evolved societies due to the powerful institution of families. In today’s world, there are two predominant classifications of families, one, a nuclear family and joint family.

General Definitions

Nuclear Family

• In modern times, a nuclear family is simply defined to be a social unit with a mother, father, and children and a pet(optional) being the key constituents.
• The family, as defined above, has certain subsets, such as live-in relations, dating individuals, individuals living alone, or living with their pets.
• This concept is principally based upon the emotion of parental love and sibling bonding and hence the structural functionalism (mechanism of relationships) is quite simple, yet the psychology involved becomes quite complex.

Joint Family

• The institute of joint family, constitutes all first-blood relatives living under the same roof. This includes all first cousins and their respective hierarchical generations.
• There are some subsets such as an extended family (second cousins under one roof), nuclear family living with grandparents of the youngest generation. Polygamy and polyandry which is practiced in some parts of the world is also a joint family.
• In case of a joint family, the primary emotion is a general affectionate bond between two generations and within the members of the generations.

Existence in the Modern Era

The society, adapts and changes as per the need of time. The concept of nuclear family started becoming quite common, post the industrial revolution. The European society adopted the concept widely in the post industrial revolution era, and years prior to the world wars. The concept became quite popular in the United States as the area of the States started expanding and a need to extend the civilization was felt. Several intellectual revolutions, beliefs, cultures, and subcultures supported this phenomenon in Europe and the Americas. Liberty, financial freedom, equality, and rational progressive thoughts such as feminism and freedom from social strata and hierarchy further pushed the popularity of nuclear families. As of today, same-sex marriages and live-in or open relationships are other factors that contribute to this. Nuclear families began to appear and started spreading rather quickly in the years surrounding the cold war, in all the Afro-Asian nations, especially former European colonies. The basic factor that promoted such a popularity was the modernization and development of these nations which took place at that time.

Joint families on the other hand have been an important faction of the society since the genesis of mankind. Tribes, small villages, communities, and such small civilization units are the ancestors of the joint families. These are still common in several parts of the world, such as India, China, African nations, and even Arab nations.

There are a significant number of arguments that have been put forth and countered with respect to the topic of nuclear family vs. joint family. There are several pros and cons that cover psychological, sociological, emotional, and even certain economic factors.

Sociological Factors One crucial, psychological and sociological advantage of a joint family is that the human interaction and bonding between all family members proves to be a great base for an individual’s growth. A person’s constitution, mind, thought process, and ethics get well-shaped in such a situation. The person grows in a background which is usually free from any parent-offspring conflict, due to the presence of several grown-ups mentoring a growing mind. It puts to rest any drawbacks experienced due to the presence of a single parent. Interpreting the theories of Sigmund Freud, the older generations simply act as, ideal parents to the young and growing generations. Collectively an entire young generation becomes well-groomed, promising, and truth assuring. This perception is largely based upon the parental love showered by the older generation as the aunts and uncles, and grandparents, who tend to prove as quasi-parents. They are also instrumental in correcting any parenting fault that the actual parent depicts. Sounds very harsh, but at the same time, true.

To keep faith in modern and right values you need a nuclear family. One great thing about this type of family is that the transition from orthodox to modern is simple, which in case of a joint families is very difficult, though it is crucial. In a joint family which holds very, very strong cultural bonds and religious faith, transition to unorthodox thinking is almost impossible. Inversely, you will notice that a joint family, which is highly educated and reasonably liberal by thought, is a successful unit.

Psychological Factors

Since there are so many people to look up to and learn from, growing children become ethically strong, mature, with a powerful conscience. A joint family is a great place to get educated and pick up excellent habits, provided that there are no people with bad habits as the aforementioned logic also applies for bad habits. A joint family also provides excellent human company, and things such as materialism, negative psychology, sadistic thoughts, dearth of acceptance by another human, are absent. In such a case the human being becomes emotionally and morally strengthened, and in straight words there are no regrets about one’s youth or childhood in one’s mind. Sociologically speaking, every member of a joint family stands out as an important sociological and psychological instrument in a person’s life.

A similar logic however can be applied in a nuclear family. In cases where the family is made up of 4-6 members, the emotional fulfillment and security becomes equally comforting and apt for our well-being. However, such an environment, is equally dangerous as the kids can turn into complete brats, or in the case of a joint family, the feeling of being spoiled can be dangerous as it can kill people’s will to fight for goals. The key in both cases is to manage the level of comfort that an individual has.

Economic Factors

Lastly, it can be arithmetically proven that a joint family is a better economic unit, the principle logic being that one joint family, consumes lesser resources due to the philosophy of joint-living.

In conclusion it can be said that living in a joint family is tough, but worth the trouble. A nuclear family on the other hand is easier to live in, yet there is no food for emotions and we tend to lose our sensitivity through the decreasing interactions with our fellow humans.

Man being a social animal, needs appropriate society around him. In short both types of families tend to have an equal number of drawbacks and merits. Due to this, both the systems are required in the society.

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Search form, difference between joint family and nuclear family.

Key Difference: In simple terms, the main difference between joint family and nuclear family is that a joint family is a big family, whereas a nuclear family is a small family.

In a joint family, even if parents go to work, grandparents will be taking care of the children. They will be instructing them the right manners and good qualities about life, and turn the life of children in the opposite way. In the nuclear family, parents quarrel with each other and there is no one to settle the issue. However, in joint family there are parents or in-laws to give advice to the parents to settle the issue.

A major importance is placed on family; traditional cultures suggest living in joint families, where parents, male children, children’s spouses and grandchildren, all reside in the same house. However, nuclear families have started receiving more importance in urban cultures.

Comparison between Joint Family and Nuclear Family:

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Nuclear Family vs. Joint Family

Understanding family structures: nuclear family vs. joint family.

Families serve as the cornerstone of society, providing emotional support, socialization, and a sense of belonging. However, the way families are structured and function can vary significantly across cultures and societies. Two prevalent family structures are the nuclear family and the joint family, each with its own set of characteristics, advantages, and challenges.

The Nuclear Family:

The nuclear family is a relatively small unit consisting of parents and their children living together under one roof. This structure is commonly found in Western societies and urban settings, where individualism and autonomy are highly valued. Here are some key features of the nuclear family:

Independence and Privacy:

• In a nuclear family, there is a high degree of privacy and independence. Each family unit has its own living space, allowing for personal autonomy and decision-making.
• The nuclear family operates as a self-contained unit, with parents typically responsible for the upbringing and care of their children. This structure promotes a sense of closeness and cohesion among immediate family members.

Decision-Making:

• Decision-making within a nuclear family is usually centralized, with parents making choices regarding finances, education, and other important matters related to the household.

Flexibility:

• Nuclear families often enjoy greater flexibility in terms of lifestyle choices, career opportunities, and mobility. With fewer family members to consider, it is easier to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue individual goals.

The Joint Family:

The joint family, in contrast, encompasses multiple generations living together in a single household. This structure is prevalent in many Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cultures, where collectivism and interdependence are emphasized. Here are some key features of the joint family:

Multigenerational Living:

• In a joint family, several generations coexist under one roof, including grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even extended relatives such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. This arrangement fosters a sense of community and mutual support.

Shared Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities such as childcare, household chores, and financial support are shared among family members in a joint family. This collective approach helps alleviate the burden on individual parents and promotes a sense of solidarity.

Emotional Support:

• Joint families provide a strong support network for all members, offering emotional guidance, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Elders play a significant role in imparting wisdom, values, and cultural traditions to younger generations.

Economic Cooperation:

• Pooling of financial resources is common in joint families, enabling them to withstand economic challenges more effectively. Shared expenses for housing, utilities, and groceries contribute to economic stability and security.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages of Nuclear Families:

• Greater privacy and autonomy.
• Efficient decision-making.
• Flexibility in lifestyle choices.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Families:

• Limited emotional and financial support.
• Increased burden on parents for childcare and household responsibilities.

Advantages of Joint Families:

• Strong emotional support network.
• Shared responsibilities and resources.
• Preservation of cultural traditions.

Disadvantages of Joint Families:

• Potential for conflicts and disagreements.
• Limited privacy and personal space.
• Dependency on other family members for decision-making.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both nuclear families and joint families offer unique benefits and challenges. The choice between these two structures often depends on cultural, social, economic, and personal factors. While nuclear families emphasize independence and individualism, joint families prioritize interdependence and communal living. Ultimately, the most suitable family structure is one that aligns with the values, needs, and circumstances of the individuals involved.

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Comparison and Contrast: The Nuclear Family vs. the Traditional Family Essay

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There are many ways in which families are organized and no one way has ever been proven to be the ‘right’ or ‘best’ way. However, it is helpful to understand the various ways in which they operate, noticing the similarities and differences that occur among them. For example, there is the nuclear family, which usually consists of a father, mother, and children who are typically separated in some form, usually distance, from other relatives such as uncles and aunts or grandparents. Then there is the more traditional family which consists of a mother, father, and children all living in very close proximity to uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents, sometimes although not always living within the same house. While it might seem that these two family structures are incredibly different, there remain many similarities between them.

The most obvious difference between these two family structures is the proximity of the extended family. Often for reasons of vocation, the nuclear family is separated from having the close family ties enjoyed by a more traditional family unit, including missed barbeques, shared family events, and celebrations, and the option of playing with or getting to know cousins close in age. However, they usually have a greater luxury to participate only in those events which interest them and have the freedom of organizing their time around fewer family members’ schedules. The more traditional family can sometimes have too much closeness as several people attempt to live in a single living structure or live very close to each other, such as right next door. If they do not already share their meals together each night, they are still capable of joining together on short notice for various reasons – for everything from graduation and birthday celebrations to informal picnics or swimming pool parties. While this kind of togetherness can be very supportive and nurturing, it can also function to be very confining as family members find it necessary to work around the schedules of many other members, face conflicting celebrations, such as birthdays on the same weekend, and are unable to participate in activities without first obtaining the proper sanctions from the family group.

With all of these differences, though, there are many similarities. For example, in the traditional family, children are often cared for by the older members of the family while the parents go to work at outside offices and the older children attend school. Although older members of the family are not available to care for the children of the nuclear family, children continue to be cared for by someone other than the parents as they either attend child care facilities or in-home babysitting, typically provided by older women. Nuclear families separated from the extended group will also often form networks of friends in which the same sorts of activities enjoyed by the traditional family can be enjoyed with the advantage of a greater ability to opt-out of activities without causing offense. Since these groups are typically formed around the friendship groups of the children of the house, they have the added advantage of the similarity of age groups forming automatic interest groups within the greater group. These automatic divisions into smaller groups can also be seen within the traditional family, but these are usually organized around gender roles or expectations.

While both family structures can be seen to contain a high degree of sociability, the traditional family is nearly guaranteed of this outcome while the nuclear family must seek it. Relationships within the family are usually fairly stable regardless of the family structure (mother is still mother regardless of whether grandmother lives nearby or far away), but these relationships can vary greatly depending upon which woman is the primary caregiver within the home. As it can be seen, although the nuclear family and the traditional family are very different from each other, there are many ways in which they also remain the same.

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IvyPanda. (2021, September 16). Comparison and Contrast: The Nuclear Family vs. the Traditional Family. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-and-contrast-the-nuclear-family-vs-the-traditional-family/

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IvyPanda . 2021. "Comparison and Contrast: The Nuclear Family vs. the Traditional Family." September 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-and-contrast-the-nuclear-family-vs-the-traditional-family/.

1. IvyPanda . "Comparison and Contrast: The Nuclear Family vs. the Traditional Family." September 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-and-contrast-the-nuclear-family-vs-the-traditional-family/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Comparison and Contrast: The Nuclear Family vs. the Traditional Family." September 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-and-contrast-the-nuclear-family-vs-the-traditional-family/.

Joint Family vs. Nuclear Family — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Joint Family and Nuclear Family

Table of contents, key differences, comparison chart, letters count, word classification, usage in a sentence, grammatical connections, compare with definitions, joint family, nuclear family, common curiosities, how do living arrangements typically differ, what is the primary difference between a joint family and a nuclear family, is one family type better than the other, which family type is more prevalent today, how do social dynamics vary between the two family systems, what's the role of grandparents in a joint family, how do children's experiences differ in the two setups, how do conflicts get resolved differently in the two systems, how do decision-making processes differ between the two, are there financial differences between the two family types, how do the two family types handle traditions, are there regions where one family type is more dominant, does urbanization impact family structure, do relationship dynamics differ significantly, can a nuclear family be part of a joint family, share your discovery.

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Joint vs. Nuclear Families: An Analysis Within the Indian Framework

Table of Contents

Have you ever wondered why some Indian weddings are grand events with hundreds of guests, while others are more intimate affairs? This contrast is often rooted in the type of family system—joint or nuclear—that predominates in the Indian subcontinent. Family, in the Indian context, is not just a social unit but a critical element that shapes culture, lifestyle, and even economies. Let’s embark on a journey to understand these family structures and how they’ve evolved over time within the tapestry of Indian society.

Historical roots of the joint family system

The joint family system, a hallmark of the Indian social landscape, is characterized by an extended family living under one roof, often including three or more generations. This arrangement has strong historical roots, dating back to the Vedic times when the idea of ‘Kutumb’ (family) was integral to societal structure. It was believed that living together fostered unity, shared values, and collective prosperity.

The role of family epics

The revered epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata , glorify the concept of joint families. These texts are not only religious scriptures but also cultural blueprints that influenced the perception of the ideal family structure. They depict heroes who prioritize family unity and duty, thereby reinforcing the joint family as a desired social model.

Nuclear families: A modern emergence

Contrastingly, the nuclear family , typically comprising parents and their children, is a more recent phenomenon in India. Historically, it was seen among merchant families who had to migrate for business. However, with urbanization and modernization , nuclear families are becoming increasingly common. This shift reflects the changing socio-economic landscape where mobility and personal space are gaining prominence.

Impact of modernization and urbanization

As India strides towards industrialization and a more service-oriented economy, the lure of cities with better job prospects has led many to move away from their ancestral homes, giving rise to more nuclear families. Modernization has also brought with it the concepts of privacy and individualism, which do not always align with the collective ethos of the joint family system.

Joint vs. nuclear: Societal roles and individual identities

In the joint family system, individual roles are often defined by age and gender, with a patriarch or matriarch at the helm. This system provides a support network, shared responsibilities, and a sense of belonging. However, it can sometimes lead to less autonomy for individuals, especially women and younger family members.

The dynamics of family relationships

Family relationships in a joint family are layered, with intricate hierarchies and expectations. Respect for elders is paramount, and decisions are often made collectively. In a nuclear family, relationships tend to be more egalitarian, with a focus on the immediate family members and a more direct approach to problem-solving.

Cultural influence on the perception of family structures

Indian culture, with its emphasis on collectivism , often regards the joint family as the ideal. This perception is slowly changing, but the traditional joint family is still seen as a bastion of cultural values and traditions. On the other hand, nuclear families are sometimes viewed as a western influence , associated with a loss of cultural identity.

Preservation of traditional values in contemporary times

While nuclear families are on the rise, many still strive to retain traditional values such as respect for elders, community living, and shared festivals. These values are often passed down through stories, rituals, and family gatherings, ensuring that the essence of the joint family system persists even within nuclear setups.

The family remains a cornerstone of Indian society, whether joint or nuclear. Each system has its advantages and challenges, shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors. As India continues to evolve, the concept of family also transforms, blending the old with the new, and creating a unique societal fabric that is as diverse as it is dynamic.

What do you think? How do you see the role of family evolving in the future? Can the joint and nuclear family systems coexist and learn from each other in contemporary India? Share your thoughts and experiences on this integral aspect of Indian society.

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Sociology in India

1 Social Background of the Emergence of Sociology in India

• The Historical Roots of Indian Sociology
• The Heritage of Social Thought in India
• Sociography in Classical and Arab-Persian Accounts
• Socio-economic Conditions of India at the Advent of British Rule
• Three Major Approaches of the Westerners to Indian Society and Culture
• Official View of the British Regarding Castes and Tribes
• Growth of Associations and Institutions Promoting Social Inquiry
• Responses and Reactions of the Indian Intellectuals
• Early Sociological Beginnings
• Sociology and Independent India

2 Emergence of the Discipline -Issues and Themes

• Historical Roots of Sociology in India
• Growth and Development of Sociology as a Profession
• Sociology in the Post-Independence India
• Some Major Research Trends During the Seventies
• Theory and Methods Used by Sociologists in India

3 Village Studies in India

• Historical Background
• The Context
• Field and the Fieldwork
• Perceived Significance of the Village
• Social Structure of the Village: Caste Class and Gender

4 Brahminical Perspective

• Varna-Jati Theory
• The Ideology of Purity-Impurity
• Jajmani System
• Emergent Concerns

5 View from the Field

• An Overview of Caste Situation in Different Societies
• Field Based Studies

6 Ambedkar and Lohia on Caste

• B.R. Ambedkar on Caste
• Ram Manohar Lohia on Caste

7 Census Perspective

• Caste in the Census
• The Census and Identity Politics
• The Debate over Inclusion of Caste in the Census

8 The Household and the Family

• Meaning of the Terms: Family and Household
• Joint and Nuclear Family in India
• Views on the Family in India
• The Myth of Disintegration of the Joint Family
• Types of Family Structure
• Changes in Family Structure
• Perspectives on the Family

9 The Household as a Cooperative—Conflicting Unit

• The Socio-economic Dynamics of the Household
• Capabilities Well-being Agency and Perception
• Social Technology Cooperation and Conflicts

10 Marriage and Its Changing Patterns

• Is the Institution of Marriage Universal in India?
• What and Why of Marriage
• Age at Marriage in India
• Rules Regulating Marriage
• Patterns of Spouse Selection
• Marriage Rituals and Status
• Dissolution of Marriage

11 Descent and Alliance Approaches to the Study of Kinship in India

• Application of Descent Theory to the Study of Kinship System in North India
• Application of Alliance Theory to the Study of Kinship System in South India

12 Agrarian Classes and Categories

• Marx and Weber on Class
• Notions of Agrarian Societies
• The Classical Notion of Undifferentiated Peasant Society
• Feudalism as a Type of Agrarian Society
• Contemporary Agrarian Societies
• Class Analysis of Agrarian Societies
• Agrarian Social Structure and Change in India
• Agrarian Changes during the British Colonial Rule
• Agrarian Changes after Independence
• Agrarian Class Structure in India

13 The Working Class

• Defining Working Class
• A Brief History of The Working Class
• Working Class: The Indian Scenario
• Growth of Working Class in India
• Social Background of Indian Working Class

14 The Middle Class

• Concept of Class
• Concept of the ‘Middle Class’
• Evolution of the Middle Class in India
• Modernity and the Middle Class in Contemporary India
• Values Related to Family Marriage and Women’s Status amongst the Middle Class

15 Gender, Caste and Class

• What is Gender?
• Gender and Caste
• Gender and Class
• Regional Variations in Gender Caste and Class

16 Tribe, Territory and Common Property Resources

• Early history
• Mixed economy and the commons in India
• Population growth and impossibility of commons?
• Culture of the commons

17 Tribe and Caste

• Transformation to castes
• Sanskritization
• Hinduisation
• Basis for misconstruction
• Tribe as community

18 Elwin and Ghurye’s Perspectives on Tribes

• The Framing of the Tribal Question: Elwin and Ghurye
• A History of the Tribal Voice
• Nationalist Freedom Struggle and Tribals
• Constituent Assembly Debate and Tribal People

19 Social Differentiation among Tribes

• Social Differentiation by Kinship and Descent Groups
• Social Differentiation by Sex
• Social Differentiation by Age
• Social Differentiation by Rank and Hierarchy
• Social Differentiation by Occupation
• Social Differentiation by Education
• Social Differentiation by Religion
• Social Differentiation by Language
• Social Differentiation by Association
• Social Differentiation by Territory and Physical Environment

20 Religion and Politics

• Understanding Religion and Politics
• Approaches to the Study of Religion
• Religion and Politics in India: A Historical Overview
• Religion and Politics in Contemporary India
• Fundamentalism

21 Religion and Culture

• Theoretical Explanation: Bond between Religion and Culture
• Sociological Explanation: The Three Approaches to the understanding of the Sacred and the Secular Order
• Culture and Religion in India

22 Cohesive and Divisive Dimensions of Religion

• Religion and its Various Dimensions
• Rivalry Schism and Integration
• Religion in India: A Unity in Diversity
• Multiple interpretations in Indian Religions

23 Secularisation

• Introduction
• Secularism and Secularisation: A Definition
• Secularism in India
• Secularism and the Indian National Movement
• The Constitution and Secularism

24 Urbanization

• Urban and Urbanism
• The Process of Urbanization
• Urbanization in India
• Theories of Urbanization
• Social Effects of Urbanization in India
• Problems of Urbanization

25 Migration

• Understanding Migration
• Types of Migration
• Migration Streams
• Factors of Migration
• Impact of Migration
• Migration Trends

26 Industrialisation

• Understanding Industrialisation
• Historical Background of Industrialisation Process
• Social Thinkers on Industrial Society
• Industrialisation in India
• Post-Industrial Society

27 Globlisation

• Different Ideas on What Constitutes Globalisation
• Globlisation and The Ideological Positions
• Features of Globalisation

28 Social Movements- Meanings and Dimensions

• Concepts of Social Movements
• Origin of Social Movements
• Components of Social Movements
• Transformation of Social Movements

29 Types of Social Movements

• Nature of Social Conflict
• Types of Social Conflicts
• Old and New Types of Movements

30 Peasants Movements

• Conceptualizing Peasants and Peasant Movements
• Peasants and the Revolutionary Movements
• Radical Peasant Movements in India
• Emerging Agrarian Social Structure and Peasants Movements
• Change in Collective Mobilization

31 New Social Movements

• New Social Movements: The Background
• New Social Movement: Concepts and Features
• Distinguishing Old from the New
• New Social Movements and Quest for New Identity
• Autonomy of New Identity
• New Social Movements and Resistance against Domination

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Nuclear Family vs Joint Family

• March 29, 2022

The nuclear family is a family that includes the Husband, Wife and their unmarried children. It is a small and universal family.

A joint family is an undivided family that includes children, parents, grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousins etc. It is a large family.

To study the concept of family in detail, one can go through the link- FAMILY

Definition of Nuclear family

According to Merriam- Webster dictionary – A nuclear family is defined as a family group that consists only of parents and children.

According to the Cambridge dictionary – A nuclear family is a family consisting of two parents and their children, but not including aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.

Definition of Joint family

According to Merriam- Webster dictionary – A joint family is defined as a consanguineal family unit that includes two or more generations of kindred related through either the paternal or maternal line who maintain a common residence and are subject to common social, economic, and religious regulations.

According to the   Cambridge dictionary – A joint family is a family in which parents and their male children with their families live together and are considered as a single unit.

Advantages of Nuclear family

• There is less stress for the earning person in the family. They have low expenses.
• They need a small space to live.
• They require fewer resources for their survival.
• There is the prevention of intra-family disputes.
• They have more Privacy.
• There are fewer conflicts. More people leads to more arguments.
• Children can maintain their studies well.
• They have fewer responsibilities.
• Here it is easy to make decisions as there is less number of member. It is easy to convince members.

Disadvantages of Nuclear family

• They may become isolated.
• They don’t get support from their family members during a crisis.
• They have to bear the workload. It impacts their working ability. They have to take care of many things at once.  
• They have lack guidance in difficult situations.
• They have less experience.
• Children may get attracted to bad habits.
• There is the single head who has to manage most of the things alone.

Advantages of Joint family

• Children get love and the most important is guidance from their grandparents.
• Children never feel alone here.
• Help is always there as all family members live together. There is always a person in the home to protect the house.
• Elderly members get support from the young ones.
• Kids get raised with the help of elderly members.
• Prevents human trafficking and child kidnapping.
• Shared finances.
• Members get support from other members during a crisis.
• Less chance of depression among the family members.
• They have an active social life.
• They celebrate festivals in their unique way. Together they perform to make their functions memorable as everyone spends time together.
• They have more management skills. They learn from each other.
• They have more emotions towards each other. They have less selfishness.
• They are good at handling situations.
• They respect others.
• Elders have more experience in their life which is much needed for the young ones to survive in this world.
• They have a longer relationship.
• They are more disciplined.
• They do not have to work hard as their workload is divided among family members.

Disadvantages of Joint family

• They may have Financial issues. Not every member earns the same.
• There is a chance of jealousy and conflicts.
• There is noise pollution.
• All have a different mindset which creates difficulty in making decisions.
• There is less privacy.

Both types of families have their characteristics. It depends on the family members to choose a nuclear family or a joint family. The formation of the nuclear family depends on the situation and personal preferences.

Some people have to live in a nuclear family due to circumstances, they are not able to live in a joint family even if they want. Despite living in a nuclear family, they remain attached to the joint family and are always in their contact.

Here I have given only a general perception, it may vary according to one’s view because the concept of family is of different types in different cultures.

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Hey, I'm Vineeta Kamal, the proud owner of AnthroMania.com. As a dedicated PhD research scholar hailing from the vibrant state of Uttar Pradesh, India, I hope you will accompany me on an educational adventure into the interesting field of anthropology.

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Joint vs. Nuclear Family System: A Study on the various aspects of its members with special reference to Bihar

2015, isara solutions

Family is the place our underlying foundations grab hold and from that point we develop. In India, the joint family framework has been in presence since antiquated occasions. Be that as it may, with the progression of time, the joint family framework has deteriorated, offering ascend to the family unit framework. In India, the joint family framework has been in presence since old occasions. Nonetheless, with the progression of time, the joint family framework has crumbled, offering ascend to the family unit framework. Job openings accessible in the urban communities become the fundamental driver of the crumbling of the joint family framework. There is an absence of living space in the urban communities. It is hard to oblige all the individuals from a joint family in a solitary house in the city. Additionally average cost for basic items is high in the urban communities. This examination attempted to investigate the socio-demographic example of various kinds of group of Indian culture uncommonly Nuclear and Joint Family type. The present study was carried out with the aim of assessing socio-demographic profile, attitude of family members toward their family composition and their health status. For the study a sample of 100 respondents were collected from the 3 major cities of Bihar state which are mainly Bhagalpur, Patna and Muzaffarpur. The respondents were given structure questionnaire and based on the collected data analysis was done and finding have been concluded which cannot be generalized.

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The predominant type of living arrangement in pre-independence India was joint family system. It was based on the notion of collectivism and charity. It was a serving place for not only nurturing and preserving social values, but also passing them down through generations. After the advent of industrialization and subsequent emergence of urbanization and modernization, the joint families started disintegrating into nuclear families. The modern nuclear family is perpetually promoting the principle of individualism or independence in contrast to the value of collectivism deep-rooted in joint family. It is, therefore, a value shift in family from collectivism to individualism. It is followed by a loyalty shift in family from lineal ties to conjugal ties. Consequently, nuclear family has become an indispensible social unit in contemporary Indian society. However, its sustainability may perhaps be uncertain in a distant future because of the inclination of present younger generation to complete independence in life. Probably this may result in the emergent of a new type of living arrangement to satisfy the needs of generations of people in a remote future. Highlights m Views of Indian as well as foreign scholars on transition of Joint Family. m Nuclear family as an inevitable alternate social unit in contemporary Indian society. m Probability of uncertainties of nuclear family in distant future and the likelihood of emerging a new type of living arrangement suitable to future generations.

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Family is traditionally considered in all societies as the primary social unit of human existence and hence, the basis for expressing and moulding the basic tenets of social behavior and relationship in society. It has been a subject of interest and of serious study at various levels down the centuries, and has always attracted the attention of the social scientists, for long. In India, for most part, the traditional system had survived for centuries without any major institutional alterations or dislocations. However, with the advent of the British, and later with the processes of industrialisation, modernisation, and the recent trends of globalisation, the structural features and the functional implications of family have started changing. The present paper attempts to understand and assess the dynamics of family, focusing mainly on the variations in the structural and functional aspects of family with multiple implications for the emerging social realities and their possible impact and implications for the future of the Indian Society.

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Family has always been an important unit of analysis in an effort to improve and understand human development. Studying the changes in the institution of family and households keeping in view the demographic, social, and economic transitions also becomes imperative. So far, in our knowledge, there are very few studies based in India have investigated the household size and family formation patterns, while a few of them have looked into its possible causes or associations and demographic, economic, and social repercussions. In particular, as per our knowledge, there is no evidence on who is losing and who is gaining among family members due to the unprecedented transition in family forms in India. This paper serves a twofold purpose as first it seeks to explore and enrich the field of family demography in India by studying the existing evidence in the field as well as allied fields to understand how family serves as the nuclei directing individuals and communities toward certain beha...

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Nuclear vs. Joint family

• Post author: mindyog
• Post published: 9th December 2020
• Post category: Family counselling

A family is like a flower bouquet, different in color looks shape but together give an amazing fragrance which can help anyone forget their distress for a moment. Which change is an unavoidable part of one’s life, nothing at away with the transformation same has happened with the family structure? Family is said to be an essential part of an individual’s life. A nuclear family consists of a husband-wife and children, members of the nuclear family are very few. A joint family consists of related members of the family living under the same roof. It is the type of extended family. Comparison Unity and bonding – Joint family provides a higher bond of action unity and emotional stability.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of Joint Family : A joint family, sometimes referred to as an extended family, is a type of familial structure in which several generations—grandparents, parents, kids, and perhaps even relatives who are not part of the immediate family—live under one roof and share resources.

B. Definition of Nuclear Family : A nuclear family is made up of just the parents and their kids; there are no other relatives living with them. Usually, this structure consists of just one or two generations.

C. Brief overview of societal and cultural contexts : The decision between nuclear and joint families is frequently influenced by personal choices, cultural customs, economic considerations, and society conventions. Joint families have historically been common in many civilizations around the world, although nuclear families are more prominent in urbanized and industrialized countries.

II. Structure

A. Joint Family

1. Multigenerational household: In a joint family, members from different generations reside together, fostering close familial ties and intergenerational bonding.

2. Extended family members living together: Besides parents and children, joint families may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, creating a larger support network.

3. Shared responsibilities and resources: Household chores, financial obligations, and caregiving duties are often distributed among family members, promoting cooperation and unity.

B. Nuclear Family

1. Parents and children living together: The nuclear family unit typically consists of parents and their offspring, fostering a more compact and intimate living arrangement.

2. Limited to one or two generations: Unlike joint families, nuclear families usually comprise only parents and their children, with no extended relatives residing together.

3. More independent living arrangements: Each nuclear family operates autonomously, making decisions and managing household affairs without the direct involvement of extended family members.

III. Dynamics

1. Interdependency among family members: In a joint family, individuals rely on one another for emotional, financial, and practical support, creating a strong sense of unity.

2. Support system for childcare and eldercare: With multiple adults in the household, responsibilities for raising children and caring for elderly members are shared, easing the burden on individual parents.

3. Traditional roles and hierarchies: Joint families often adhere to traditional gender roles and hierarchical structures, with elders wielding considerable influence and authority.

1. Emphasis on autonomy and privacy: Nuclear families prioritize individual autonomy and privacy, allowing each member to pursue personal interests and goals without interference from extended family members.

2. Self-sufficiency in managing household affairs: Parents in nuclear families are solely responsible for childcare, household chores, and financial matters, leading to a greater sense of independence.

3. Flexible roles and responsibilities: Nuclear families may adopt more egalitarian roles, where both parents share domestic duties and decision-making responsibilities.

IV. Communication and Relationships

1. Close-knit relationships: Constant interaction among family members fosters strong emotional bonds and a deep sense of belonging within the joint family unit.

2. Enhanced communication: Proximity facilitates frequent communication and problem-solving, but it may also lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.

3. Potential for conflicts and misunderstandings: Differences in opinions, lifestyles, and preferences among family members can sometimes result in friction and tension within the household.

1. Strong bonds between immediate family members: Nuclear families prioritize nurturing close relationships between parents and children, fostering a supportive and affectionate environment.

2. Direct communication channels: With fewer individuals involved, communication within nuclear families is often more direct and straightforward, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.

3. Less likelihood of conflicts arising from extended family dynamics: Nuclear families are less susceptible to conflicts stemming from intergenerational differences or clashes between extended family members.

V. Economic Factors

1. Pooling of financial resources: In joint families, members contribute to a common pool of finances, enabling them to achieve economies of scale and better manage household expenses.

2. Economies of scale in household expenses: Sharing living costs, such as rent, utilities, and groceries, among multiple earners can lead to significant savings for the entire family.

3. Redistribution of wealth within the family unit: Wealth generated by one or more members can be shared among all family members, promoting financial equity and security.

1. Individual financial responsibility: In nuclear families, parents bear the primary responsibility for earning income and meeting the financial needs of the household.

2. Expenses primarily borne by parents: Without the assistance of extended family members, parents shoulder the burden of providing for their children’s education, healthcare, and other expenses.

3. Greater financial independence and decision-making autonomy: Nuclear families have more control over their finances and can make independent decisions regarding savings, investments, and expenditures.

VI. Social and Cultural Implications

1. Preservation of cultural traditions and values: Joint families play a crucial role in passing down cultural heritage, customs, and beliefs from one generation to the next, ensuring continuity and cohesion within the family.

2. Strong sense of family identity and belonging: Members of joint families often share a deep-rooted sense of identity and belonging, deriving strength and support from their collective heritage and traditions.

3. Potential for conservative social norms: While joint families provide a nurturing environment for cultural preservation, they may also uphold conservative social norms and traditional gender roles, limiting individual freedom and expression.

1. Adaptability to changing societal norms: Nuclear families are more adaptable to evolving social norms and values, allowing individuals to embrace new ideas and lifestyles without constraints imposed by extended family traditions.

2. Opportunity for individual expression and autonomy: Members of nuclear families enjoy greater freedom to express their individuality and pursue personal aspirations, fostering a culture of self-discovery and growth.

3. Potential for isolation from extended family customs and traditions: While nuclear families offer autonomy and independence, they may also lead to a disconnect from extended family customs and traditions, potentially diluting cultural heritage and identity.

VII. Joint Family vs. Nuclear Family: Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Advantages :

   – Strong familial bonds: Living together fosters close relationships and emotional support.

   – Support system for all members: Elders provide guidance, and resources are shared.

   – Shared responsibilities alleviate individual burdens: Chores, childcare, and financial obligations are distributed among family members.

2. Disadvantages:

   – Lack of privacy and personal space: Constant proximity may lead to feelings of intrusion.

   – Potential for conflicts and power struggles: Differences in opinions and lifestyles may cause tension.

   – Limited individual autonomy: Traditional roles and hierarchical structures may restrict personal freedom.

1. Advantages:

   – Greater privacy and independence: Each member enjoys personal space and autonomy.

   – Flexibility in decision-making: Parents can make decisions without external influence.

   – Opportunities for personal growth and development: Individual pursuits and aspirations are prioritized.

   – Less familial support, especially in times of need: Relying solely on immediate family members may be challenging during crises.

10 differences between joint family and nuclear family

Certainly, here are 10 differences between joint family and nuclear family:

1. Composition:

   – Joint Family: Consists of multiple generations living together under one roof, including grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes extended relatives.

   – Nuclear Family: Comprises only parents and their children living together in a household, without extended family members.

2. Living Arrangement:

   – Joint Family: Members reside together in a single household, sharing common spaces and resources.

   – Nuclear Family: Typically lives independently in their own home, with separate living spaces and amenities.

3. Support System:

   – Joint Family: Provides a built-in support network where family members can rely on each other for emotional, financial, and practical assistance.

   – Nuclear Family: Relies primarily on immediate family members for support, with less involvement from extended relatives.

4. Responsibilities:

   – Joint Family: Responsibilities such as childcare, eldercare, household chores, and financial obligations are shared among family members.

   – Nuclear Family: Parents bear the primary responsibility for managing household affairs, including childcare, household chores, and financial matters.

5. Autonomy and Privacy :

   – Joint Family: Offers less privacy and individual autonomy due to constant interaction and shared living spaces.

   – Nuclear Family: Provides greater privacy and autonomy for each member, allowing for more independence in decision-making and personal pursuits.

6. Communication Dynamics:

   – Joint Family: Communication tends to be frequent and direct due to constant interaction among family members.

   – Nuclear Family: Communication is often more intimate and straightforward within the immediate family unit, with fewer individuals involved.

7. Cultural Preservation :

   – Joint Family: Plays a significant role in preserving cultural traditions, values, and customs through intergenerational interactions and shared practices.

   – Nuclear Family: While cultural traditions may still be upheld, there may be less emphasis on cultural preservation compared to joint families.

8. Financial Management :

   – Joint Family: Involves pooling of financial resources, enabling economies of scale and shared expenses among family members.

   – Nuclear Family: Requires individual financial management, with parents bearing the primary responsibility for earning income and meeting household expenses.

9. Decision-making Process :

   – Joint Family: Decisions are often made collectively, with input from multiple family members and consideration of family dynamics and hierarchies.

   – Nuclear Family: Decisions are typically made by parents, with less input from extended family members, resulting in a more streamlined decision-making process.

10. Socialization and Bonding :

    – Joint Family: Facilitates strong interpersonal bonds and socialization among family members, particularly across different generations.

    – Nuclear Family: Prioritizes bonding within the immediate family unit, fostering close relationships between parents and children.

Living in a joint family is better than living in a nuclear family

Whether living in a joint family or a nuclear family is better largely depends on individual preferences, cultural norms, and specific family dynamics. Both types of families have their own advantages and disadvantages.

In a joint family, multiple generations live together under one roof, typically including grandparents, parents, and children. Some potential advantages of living in a joint family include:

1. Support system: Joint families often provide a strong support system where family members can rely on each other for emotional, practical, and financial support.

2. Shared responsibilities: With multiple adults in the household, tasks such as childcare, household chores, and financial management can be distributed among family members, reducing the burden on any one individual.

3. Cultural preservation: Joint families often uphold cultural traditions and values more effectively, as these are passed down from older to younger generations within the household.

4. Social interaction: Living in a joint family can provide more opportunities for social interaction and companionship, as there are always family members around to spend time with.

However, there can also be challenges associated with living in a joint family, including:

1. Lack of privacy: Sharing living space with multiple family members can sometimes lead to a lack of privacy and personal space, which can be particularly challenging for individuals who value solitude.

2. Conflicts: Differences in opinions, lifestyles, and preferences among family members can sometimes lead to conflicts and tensions within the household.

3. Dependency: In some cases, individuals in joint families may become overly dependent on other family members, which can hinder their personal growth and independence.

4. Limited autonomy: Family decisions may be made collectively, which can limit individual autonomy and freedom.

On the other hand, nuclear families consist of only parents and their children living together. Some potential advantages of living in a nuclear family include:

1. Increased privacy and autonomy: Nuclear families offer more privacy and autonomy, as there are fewer people sharing the living space and making decisions together.

2. Flexibility: With fewer family members to consider, nuclear families often have more flexibility in terms of decision-making, lifestyle choices, and daily routines.

3. Stronger parent-child bonds: In nuclear families, parents typically have more one-on-one time with their children, which can strengthen the parent-child bond.

4. Financial independence: Nuclear families may have more financial independence, as they are responsible for their own expenses without the need to support extended family members.

However, nuclear families may also face challenges such as limited support systems, especially in times of need, and a potential lack of social interaction within the household.

Ultimately, whether living in a joint family or a nuclear family is better depends on the preferences and circumstances of the individuals involved. Some people thrive in the close-knit environment of a joint family, while others prefer the independence and privacy of a nuclear family.

You may like: Attraction, Romance and Love

Every member has a concern towards an individual. A nuclear family has a prospective of mutual love and respect for each other. It shares parental love and sibling connection. Conflicts – As people live together there are chances for arguments or conflicts over shared values. Everyone has a different perspective even on a small decision. The nuclear family faces fewer quarrels. It’s easy to convince fewer family members. Impact on Children – When both parents are working it becomes difficult to manage kids. In the joint family, it acts like a pro, children have a lot of support and guidance from their grandparents, uncle, and aunts. Conclusion Every family structure shares some uniqueness. The joint family is the oldest and orthodox system of a family in the world. But in the past few years, there has been an unpredictable rise in the adaptation of nuclear family. But it depends on the individual’s if family, they can find privacy and comfort in the joint family also. If anyone faces adjustment issues they can seek help from mental health experts and can book sessions for Online Psychiatric Counseling .

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Factors associated with quality of life among joint and nuclear families: a population-based study

Fahad saqib lodhi.

1 Department of Community Medicine, Women Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan

2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Unaib Rabbani

3 Family Medicine Academy, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Adeel Ahmed Khan

4 Saudi Board Program of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

5 School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni

Mehdi yaseri, umer farooq.

6 Community Medicine Department, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan

Ali Montazeri

7 Population Health Research Group, Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

8 Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran

Associated Data

Corresponding author will provide all the relevant data used in this study upon request.

Advantages and disadvantages associated with joint and nuclear family systems can affect quality of life (QOL). However, there is scarcity of literature about QOL among joint and nuclear family systems. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with QOL in joint and nuclear family systems.

We conducted a population based cross sectional study in all 52 Union Councils (UCs) of District Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan from March 2015 to August 2015. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select participants from both nuclear and joint family houses. The validated Urdu version of World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess quality of life among participants. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the associations of different socio demographic variables with QOL among both family systems. Also a multilevel linear regression using backward analysis to obtain final model for each domain was performed to find out the variables that are associated with QOL score in each of family systems.

A total of 2063 participants were included in this study (51.0% joint family, 49.0% nuclear family) with the response rate of 97.4%. In multiple linear regression analysis of each domain for joint and nuclear family systems, rural residence compared to urban ( p  < 0.001), being female ( p  < 0.001), older age ( p  < 0.001), having comorbidity ( p  < 0.001) and lower socioeconomic status ( p  < 0.001) were found to be a strong predictor of poorer QOL. Furthermore, social capital ( p  < 0.001) had a positive effect on joint and nuclear family QOL scores.

This study was the first of its kind which determined the factors of QOL in joint and nuclear families using the validated Urdu version of WHOQOL-BREF in Pakistan. Male gender, urban residence, younger age, higher socioeconomic status and social capital were positive predictors of QOL score while older age and presence of illness were associated with lower QOL scores among both family systems.

Introduction

In general family is one of the fundamental units of societies and takes care of the diverse needs of people [ 1 ]. It is also one of the basic sources of providing care to all of its members. Because of this fact elderly persons of the house occupy respectful position in Asian culture. Family system encourages the life of individuals in all aspects which enables them to live happy and productive life [ 2 ]. Culture has been shown to regulate the family network by building family type, family size and form [ 3 , 4 ] and the family functioning by defining barriers, cooperation rules, connection patterns, adequate practices, regulation and ranking in the family [ 4 – 7 ].

Family is a social group of one or more parents and their children. Family systems refer to members and their interrelationship (structure) with each other. There are different classifications of family systems [ 8 , 9 ]. Most commonly used classification has two types i.e. joint and nuclear family systems [ 10 ]. A nuclear family system is defined as ‘a two generation family consisting of a father and mother and children or a single, possibly widow, parent and his/her children’ [ 11 ]. Similarly, joint or extending family is defined as ‘three or more generations lived together with both vertical and lateral extension having a single line of authority, either patrilineal or matrilineal’ [ 11 ]. A number of advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of family has been reported such as social support, protection during crises, physical space, autonomy a freedom of decision making [ 12 ].

Extent of these systems varies from countries to countries and within countries as well. Traditionally Pakistan had joint family system and bonding within a family. Like other Asian countries, over the time, balance is shifting towards nuclear family system in Pakistan [ 13 ]. Multiple factors are responsible for this shifting trend from joint to nuclear system. These include; financial pressures, decreasing living space, movement for job and rapid urbanization [ 13 ]. It also seems to be an outcome of increasing prosperity. This trend is faster in urban areas than rural areas. The superiority of one of these systems is a matter of debate these days. The researchers are on a quest for evidence based information regarding the current debate about the quality of life of an individual, based on a family system [ 14 ].

In Pakistan, a large number of the aged people depend on their family especially on their children or grandchildren for physical, communal and financial support [ 2 ] which is more convenient in joint families. It was recommended by Mason (1992) that urbanization is expected to negatively affect the family’s capacity and willingness for care of the elderly and it will also decrease the chances of living grown up children with their parents [ 15 ]. Studies from Asian countries have shown that most of the help for the elderly people comes from their home by their children/grandchildren [ 16 , 17 ].

Limited studies have been conducted on different study populations that have assessed the predictors of quality of life. A study conducted among elderly population in India reported that occupation, higher income, 60–69 years age group, staying with partner and absence of co-morbidity were found to be the determinants of better QOL [ 18 ]. Studies from Kuwait and Lebanon also reported that female gender, older age, social disadvantage, and presence of anxiety/ depression were associated with poor QOL [ 19 , 20 ]. Although all of the works done before were on health-related QOL all around the world, there are no such study exploring the predictors of quality of life of people who live in nuclear or joint family system. Our study presented the predictors of quality of life scores in joint and nuclear family systems in Pakistani general population.

Study design and setting

We conducted a population based cross sectional study in all 52 Union Councils of District Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan from March 2015 to August 2015. We recruited 2063 participants for our study. Abbottabad is the main district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan having more than 1.2 million population living in 52 union councils. The primary language spoken here is Hindko (used by 94% of the rural population and 75% of urban residents) followed by Urdu which is also spoken and understood in rural & urban areas [ 21 ].

Sample size

We used the Statulator, an online statistical calculator for sample size determination [ 22 ]. Assuming a standard deviation of 12 units (derived from pilot study) and a design effect (DEFF) of 2, the study would require a sample size of 969 for each group (i.e. a total sample size of 1938, assuming equal group sizes), to achieve a power of 90% at 5% significance level (two sided) for detecting a true difference of 2.5 points in quality of life score between joint and nuclear family systems.

Sampling procedure

Participants were selected from all union councils (UCs) of District Abbottabad. Multistage cluster sampling technique was employed in this study. Each union council was further divided into several blocks called Mohallah. We did proportionate sampling according to the 1998 population census [ 23 ] of UCs for the selection of Mohallah & on the next stage households. In the first stage we randomly selected these blocks (Mohallah) in each of the UC from a list by using simple random sampling technique. In the next stage we selected households in that selected block by using a random sampling technique again. The total number of houses selected in each block was also proportional to the population size of respective block. For the selection of family type, from the list of household of each block, we made a list of joint & nuclear family system households and enrolled equal number of houses from both family types. A simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of person (≥18 years) from each house. Simple random sampling was done by applying the lottery method for selecting the ≥18 year’s participant for the study. The inclusion criteria used for selection of individual were age greater than 18 years and permanent resident of union council for at least 5 years. Guests and temporary residents were excluded from the study.

• We used the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) for measuring quality of life. It is in public domain and contains 26-items that covers four domains of QOL (psychological 6 items, physical 7 items, social relationships 3 items and environmental 8 items). Each question scored on a scale from one to five, with high score indicating good QOL with the exception of three questions, which include pain and discomfort, need for medical treatment and negative feelings [ 24 ]. The seven items included in the physical health domain were mobility, daily life activities, pain, sleep, functional capacity and energy. The psychological domain measured negative thinking, self-image, positive approach, self-esteem, mindset, ability to learn, memory, consolidation, religion and the psychic conditions. Questions such as social support, sex-life and personal relationship come under the social relationship domain. The environmental health domain contains questions on financial assets, security, health and social services, living in natural environment, opportunities for advance learning experience, relaxation, and natural environment (air, noise, pollution and transportation) [ 25 ]. The total raw score for these four dimensions were transformed into 0 to 100 scale according to the standard procedure defined in WHO QOL user manual [ 24 ], and then analysis of this reconstruct score was done. Psychometric properties and validation of this WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was done in the national language “Urdu”. The Cronbach’s alpha for each of four domains were 0.78, 0.71, 0.73 and 0.65, respectively [ 26 ]. To assess the feasibility and clarity of the items, a pilot study was conducted on 30 individuals conveniently selected from the study area.
• We also developed a structured demographic questionnaire which included variables such as age, gender, marital status, type of family (joint and nuclear), residence type (urban and rural), house ownership (owner, not owner), respondent education (no education, madrassa, can read/write, primary- up to grade 5, secondary education-up to grade 12 and tertiary-up to grade 16 or above), working status (employed, unemployed and retired).
• The socio-economic characteristics were assessed by taking household conditions, sources of drinking water, sanitation facilities, availability of electricity, housing facilitates, possession of durable goods, mean of transport, inventory of house hold and personal items such as chairs, clocks, buckets, radios, television sets, fans, stoves or cookers, cars, and telephones. This list was composed of 21 such items used in the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2013 [ 27 ]. Wealth index was measured by an index constructed from principle component analysis (PCA) [ 28 ] of items indicating ownership of household durables and dwelling characteristics.
• The World Bank’s Social Capital Integrated Questionnaire (SC-IQ) was also used to study social capital among families. It is an open-domain questionnaire and consists of 27 questions in six domains [ 29 ]. Of these five questions on overall trust, trust in local government, trust in central government, community cooperation and safety at home were selected and used in this study. These questions were translated by the research team into Urdu and then back translated into English by independent bilingual expert to assess the validity of the translation. The internal consistency of the items as assessed by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be acceptable (alpha = 0.64). The concurrent validity as assessed by correlation between the trust subscale of the SC-IQ and the social relationship of the WHOQOL-BREF showed satisfactory result (r = 0.74).

Data collection

One-day training session was conducted for administering the questionnaires prior to data collection for lady health workers of all UCs by principal investigator. In 1994, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented the Lady Health Worker Program (LHWP) as part of a national strategy to reduce poverty and improve health by bringing health services to the doorsteps of underserved communities. Lady health workers are out reach health workers who provide preventive and health promotion services specially for maternal and child health issues [ 30 ]. The questionnaire was administered through face to face interviews in the households by trained lady health workers of that union council. To ensure privacy and confidentiality, interviews were conducted in an independent room or area separate from other members of the family.

Statistical analysis

The data was analyzed using the Stata version 13.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA). First, we conducted descriptive analyses such as frequencies, proportions and means. Then, we carried out univariate linear regression analyses with domain scores as dependent and other variables as independent variables. Next, in the multivariate analysis, we included all independent variables and used stepwise backward approach to eliminate variables with a p value > 0.05. Finally, multi-level analysis was performed with two –level continuous random intercept model with individuals nested within clusters was applied to explore the variability explained by individuals and cluster level variables taking the correlated nature of data into account. P -value of < 0.05 was considered as significant.

Demographic characteristic of study participants

A total of 2116 households were approached. Of these, 56 refused (non-response 2.64%) to participate in this study giving a total number of 2063 [1053 (51.04%) belonged to joint family system and 1010 (48.6%) to nuclear family]. Younger (18–30 years) and elderly (> 50 years) were more in joint families (39%) and (20%) respectively compared to (20%) and (10%) in nuclear families. Educational status of the participants was comparable in two groups as proportions of individuals with no education were 15.5% and 15.7 in joint and nuclear families respectively. Majority were living in their own houses 849 (80.5%) in joint and 750 (74.3%) in nuclear family. A higher proportion of the participants (80.5%) in joint family groups owned a house compared to (71%) in nuclear family group. Proportions of employed persons were (56.5%) in joint families and (56.1%) in nuclear families. Higher proportion of the participant were satisfied in living in joint family system (87.5%) compared to (81%) in nuclear family system (Table  1 ).

Socio-demographic characteristic of the study participants ( n  = 2063)

Joint family system WHO QOL-BREF scores

Table  2 shows mean score of WHOQOL-BREF scores of participants in joint families. Those living in the urban areas, had significantly higher scores in all four dimensions. Male had higher scores in physical and psychological domains compared to females. However, no differences were observed in relationship and environmental domains. Younger age group < 30 years had higher scores than elderly > 50 years of age. Divorced had highest scores in physical and psychological domains while married had highest scores in relationship domain. No significant differences were observed in environment domain between different categories of marital status. Lack of education, presence of any physical disability or disease, unemployment, lower socio-economic status and low social capital were associated with lower scores in all domains.

QOL scores among different subgroups in joint family system, Abbottabad, Pakistan ( n  = 1053)*

*Using the 0–100 scoring method

Multivariate linear regression model for joint family system

Table  3 shows the results of the multivariate linear regression model for joint family system. In multivariate model, rural residence was negatively associated with physical, psychological and environmental domains QOL scores and there was 4.59 units [95% CI: − 7.77 to − 1.41], 3.54 units [95% CI: − 6.44 to − 0.63] and 5.32 units [95% CI: − 8.75 to - 1.89] reduction when changing from urban to rural ( P  = 0.001) respectively. There was no significant association with relationship domain. Female gender was also negatively associated with QOL scores in physical, psychological and social relationship domains − 3.94 units [95% CI: − 5.88 to − 0.01], − 3.10 units [95% CI: − 4.7 to − 1.47] and − 0.11 units [95% CI:-3.06 to- 0.84] respectively, and no significant association was observed in environmental health domain. Increasing age was negatively associated with QOL scores. One-decade increase in age lead to 0.22 units [95% CI: − 0.29 to − 0.19], 0.11 units [95% CI: − 0.2 to - 0.05] and 0.12 units [95% CI: − 0.19 to − 0.05] reduction in scores of physical, psychological and relationship domains respectively. Presence of disease was also significantly associated as scores declined with the presence of disease in physical and psychological domains. However, there was no significant association of disease status with relationship and environment domains. Socio-economic status also had a significant association as a change in SES from high to low resulted in a reduction of QOL scores in all the domains. Similarly increase in social capital was also positively associated with QOL scores in all four domains.

Multivariate linear regression analysis for physical, psychological, social and environmental health domains of joint family in Abbottabad, Pakistan ( n  = 1053)*

*Explanations: Β Beta coefficient, CI Confidence interval, Ref Reference group; The linear regression multivariate model adjusted for residence ownership, marital status, education and employment status in Physical domain and Psychological domain. Type of residence, residence ownership, marital status, education, employment status and disease for Social domain; Residence ownership, marital status, age, sex, education, employment status, and disease in Environmental domain; The short dashes (−) mean that the variable was removed by the stepwise deletion process in regression analysis

Nuclear family system WHOQOL-BREF scores

The mean score of each domain among different subgroups in joint family system is presented in Table  4 . Pattern of differences between the subgroups in nuclear family system was similar to joint family system. The mean of all four domains was significantly higher among those living in urban areas. Male had higher scores than female. Younger age people < 30 years of age had significantly higher scores than elderly in physical domain only. There were no significant differences in other three domains with respect to age. House ownership did not affect the QOL scores in any of the domain. Significant differences in scores were observed across different marital status strata. Those with no education generally had lower scores than others. Presence of any disease or disability significantly reduced the QOL scores. Compared with working/employed subjects, unemployed subjects had lower QOL scores. Participants with higher socioeconomic status, and social capital levels had higher QOL scores in all domains.

QOL scores among different subgroups in nuclear family system, Abbottabad, Pakistan ( n  = 1010)*

Multivariate linear regression model for nuclear family system

Table  5 presents the results of the multivariate linear regression model for nuclear family syste. In multivariate model, rural residence was negatively associated with physical − 2.55 units [95% CI: − 5.42 to − 0.33], psychological − 1.90 units [95% CI: − 4.9 to − 1.13] and environmental domains − 3.69 units [95% CI: − 7.27 to − 0.09]. Female gender was also negatively associated with QOL scores in physical, psychological and social relationship domains − 2.64 units [95% CI: − 4.59 to − 0.68], − 3.56 units [95% CI: − 5.5 to − 1.65] and − 1.92 units [95% CI: − 3.91 to − 0.07] respectively, no significant association was observed in environmental health domain. Increasing age was negatively associated with QOL scores. One-decade increase in age lead to 0.27 units [95% CI: − 0.35 to − 0.20], 0.15 units [95% CI: − 0.2 to − 0.06] and 0.12 units [95% CI: − 0.05 to − 0.12] reduction in scores of physical, psychological and relationship domains respectively. Presence of disease or disability led to significant decline in the QOL in physical domains. However, there was no significant association of disease and disability with QOL scores in other domains. QOL scores significantly declined with changing socio-economic status from high to low in all four domains. Social capital was also positively associated with QOL scores in all the domains.

Multivariate linear regression analysis for physical, psychological, social and environmental health domains of nuclear family in Abbottabad, Pakistan ( n  = 1010)*

Our study is one of its kinds to assess the predictors of QOL domains in joint and nuclear families in Pakistan. We found that male gender, urban residence, younger age, higher socio-economic status and social capital were positive predictors in both types of family systems. Increasing age and presence of illness were associated with lower QOL scores in joint and nuclear families. Predictors were similar in for all domains of QOL across two types of families with few exceptions.

Family type has been reported to affect the mental and social wellbeing. A study from India reported that adolescents from joint family have better mental health compared to nuclear family [ 31 ]. Another study from India found no difference in the QOL scores between joint and nuclear family types except for social relationship domain where scores were significantly high for those living in nuclear families [ 18 ]. One study from Pakistan reported that elderly living in joint families had better social support and quality of life than those in nuclear families [ 32 ]. Another study from Japan reported that couples living as couples did not have any significant difference in the perceived physical and mental health while they were more likely to have severe hypertension compared to those in extended families [ 33 ].

Our study found higher scores for males in all four domains of QOL. This finding is similar to a study from India where females had lower scores [ 18 ]. A study from Kuwait also reported negative association of female gender with QOL scores [ 19 ]. A study from Iran also found that there were significant association between QOL and greatly varied by socio-demographic variables including gender [ 34 ]. These findings indicate that family members even within same family have different views about the family environment which could affect their QOL [ 35 ] and that of female members.

Ageing is associated with physical and mental changes in the body which affects the health and QOL. We found that increasing age was associated with decrease in the QOL scores in all domains except environmental domain in both types of families. Other studies have also reported similar association of age with QOL scores [ 18 , 36 ]. With the increasing life expectancy countries will experience increasing proportion of elderly population. This calls for reorientations of systems and services to ensure healthy elderly.

Our study found significant association of socio-economic status with QOL scores in both types of families. Socio-economic status is associated with availability of resources and access to services which ultimately affect QOL. Studies on different populations have shown positive association of higher socio-economic status with higher scores in different domains of QOL [ 18 , 34 , 36 ]. Likewise, social capital was also associated with higher QOL scores in all domains a finding similar to studies from China and Malaysia [ 37 , 38 ].

We found that presence of diseases was associated with lower scores in physical and psychological domains in joint families and with physical domain in nuclear families. Presence of any physical deformity or illness affect the physical and psychological health. Studies have consistently shown negative association of QOL with presence of diseases [ 19 , 36 , 39 ]. A study reported that people with mental and physical illness had significantly lower scores than healthy people in all three domains of QOL life except environmental domain [ 40 ].

We did not find any significant difference in the predictors of QOL among both family types. Our findings are interesting in a way that it is considered that QOL differs in both family systems and their predictors would also be different. There is a need to do further studies to explore this finding.

Our study is one of its kinds from Pakistan to assess the levels and predictors of QOL in joint and nuclear families from the randomly selected general population. We used robust statistical procedures and performed multi-level analysis to draw conclusions. However certain limitations need to be considered while interpreting the results of this study. First our sample was drawn from a single city which may limit the generalizability of our results. Second, questionnaire was administered by the interviewer which could introduce social desirability bias in the response. To minimize this, we ensured privacy during interviews and no other household member was allowed in the interview room. Thirdly, this was a cross-sectional study and temporal associations could not be ascertained with certainty and we cannot say surely whether the predictors of our study preceded the quality of life.

Our study determined the levels and predictors of QOL scores of individuals in joint and nuclear families using validated WHO QOL BREF. Predictors were similar across both types of families. Male gender, urban residence, younger age, higher socio-economic status and social capital were positive predictors of QOL score while increasing age and presence of illness were associated with lower QOL scores among both family systems. These findings call for policy actions such as women empowerment, improvement in facilities in rural areas and poverty alleviation to improve quality of life. We also recommend further studies in different segments of population to further characterize the predictors of QOL.

Acknowledgements

This study was originated from the Ph.D. thesis of the first investigator at Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. We also acknowledge the efforts and collaboration of Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abbreviations

Authors’ contributions

FSL and AM conceptualized the study, conducted literature review, and drafted the manuscript. KHN and AM supervised the study. MY was the study advisor and contributed to analysis. UR, AAK, OR, and UF helped in data collection and provided input on the successive version of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

This research was funded by International Campus Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Availability of data and materials

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and by health and political administrative bodies of Abbottabad District, Pakistan. All participants provided written consent prior to the interview.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Contributor Information

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Comparative Essay on Joint Family Vs. Nuclear Family System

In India, the joint family system has been in existence since ancient times. The father is considered as the head of the family. His wife, sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren together constitutes a joint family. The head of the family feels proud of the great number of members. However, with the passage of time, the joint family system has disintegrated, giving rise to the nuclear family system.

The nuclear family consists of a man, his wife and their children. Job opportunities available in the cities become the main cause of the disintegration of the joint family system. People migrated to the cities in search of jobs. For a number of reasons, a joint family system could not exist in the cities. There is a lack of living space in the cities. It is difficult to accommodate all the members of a joint family in a single house in the city. To cost of living is very high in the cities. It is generally believed that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law do not get along well in a city household.

image source: 655e823511efb289952c-e82553a271b6cfdf0ae0f84b730ab65e.r82.cf2.rackcdn.com/5DCC1124-93F2-4357-BCFB-650E532C2001.jpg

In ancient and medieval times, the older members of the family enjoyed great respect. They relaxed in the company of their counterparts. They amused themselves with the pranks of their grandchildren. They handled the financial matters of the household. But with the rise of towns and cities, the older and younger generations widened a great deal. A survey, carried out in the capital city, Delhi revealed that 40 % of the elderly people have no caretakers. They spend their old age away from the love and care of their children and grandchildren. There has been a steep rise in the crime rate against senior citizens. Old age have been set up at various places to take care of the senior citizens. In Delhi, Police departments is making a list of helpless senior citizens to make arrangements for their safety.

A nuclear family has many advantages. In a nuclear family, the mother is able to look after the needs of her children well. She can take care of their personal needs in a much better way than she could in a joint family. The family earns, spends and saves money for itself. Parents can invest money for the education of their children. They can put them in good schools and for provide them with better career opportunities. They can understand one another well. But in a joint family system, children don’t get individual attention. The womenfolk never find time to look after their children for they remain busy in the household work. Children are not educated much as they join the family occupation. The womenfolk face many restrictions disharmony occurs because of the size of the family.

A nuclear family has its disadvantages too. Due to high cost of living in the cities, both the parents pursue a career of their own. This may leave the children unguided. They find no one for advice or discussion. They spend their childhood without the much needed love and company of their parents. Infants spend their time in crèches. Overcrowded, poorly ventilated buildings and apathetic staff of the crèches have a negative influence on the well-being of the children.

With education and awareness, children and the youth today have developed liberal views. They question the age old traditions. Parents should advise them when necessary or when they move towards the wrong path. They should discuss all matters openly with their children. This would reduce the communication gap between parents and children.

The youth today crave for name, fame and wealth. In the nuclear family with working parents sometimes, the youth receives no guidance from their parents. They turn to friends for advice. Many a time, friends misguide them. They are misled. In the joint family system, the older members are likely to guide the young ones. Being old and experienced, they are able to provide solutions to their problems. The older generation should be revered. They are an asset to the society.

The media is somewhat responsible for the disintegration of the joint-family system. It often portrays the mother-in-law as a threat to the well-bring of the young bride. In some movies, she is shown to influence her son against the young bride. Many of the serials in television portray the negative aspect of elders. Newspapers also report about gruesome acts committed in some families. The foreign media has instilled western liberal views in the youth. All these factors curb the development of the family as a close knit unit, The media should try to restore the lost image of the old and the young.

The advantage of the joint family system outweigh the disadvantages. In the cycle of life, one will certainly reach old age and one will face the same problems as one’s parent or grandparents have undergone. So, old parents and grandparents should not be deprived of the love and care of the near and dear ones. But again, it is upto the younger generation to decide.

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Non-Nuclear Families — Out of Necessity — Are Sought After, and on the Rise

What if we organized our “village” in a different way?

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When you picture a “typical” American family, it might look something like this: two parents, their 2.5 kids and a house in a neighborhood that does not include their extended family or friends. The neighbors are reasonably friendly, but you don’t support each other by sharing any caregiving responsibilities, and you wouldn’t count on them in an emergency. Grandparents are available sometimes, but not consistently and usually you have to go to their house if you want to see them. Each four-person family is more or less on their own.

But this is only a recent idea of how our lives should be structured. The self-reliant nuclear family has never been a sustainable model, and has historically not worked for certain groups, like BIPOC, low-income, queer found family and polyamorous folks. Yet the vision remains an ideal that our policies and laws are organized around, though that is starting to change with more states legally recognizing and protecting multi-parents and other diverse non-nuclear family structures.

Amidst changes in the economy, urbanization, immigration, caregiving burnout, rising loneliness and marriage and reproduction rates, however, there’s been a shift away from the self-reliant nuclear family as the center for family life. In fact, there is no one predominant family form anymore. Instead, people are returning to the idea of having a strong support network and living with or near the people we’re closest with, just like we did for most of humanity. In fact, it’s become such a ubiquitous desire that if you’re having a conversation with someone of millennial age or younger, it’s only a matter of time before they wistfully bring up their dream of getting a plot of land with their friends and living in a more communal way.

Families are looking for a way out of the self-reliant nuclear structure.

“We create memes and jokes about it, but why don't we actually do it?” asks Jessica Daylover, a digital media producer , entertainer and mom of two, one of whom has high medical, emotional and social needs. “Because it takes a lot of time and money to buy land and build a big house or several houses, so it's probably not going to happen for 99.99% of people who want to do it. But something that would change my life immensely is living with or at least sharing resources with just one other family — just one. It's like a micro version of the bigger dream.”

Phil Levin knows exactly how difficult it is to create an intentional community from scratch with friends. He helped found the co-owned Oakland community Radish , which has six buildings and 10 units, and is home to 19 adults and five babies. Phil and his wife, Kristen Berman, a behavioral scientist and the CEO and co-founder of the company Irrational Labs, are two of the 19 adults, and their child one of the five babies.

“The core impulse behind communal living is wanting a happier, healthier, more social life with more support,” said Levin. “People often find life overwhelming when they don’t have enough support, particularly when they’re taking care of kids or parents, or need their own extra help.”

Jessica did end up sharing childcare responsibilities with another family for a while. “I was able to find one family that wanted to do a childcare trade, and it was amazing!” she says. “I began to wonder if there was an app for people who desired this kind of community and connection.”

Daylover couldn’t find one, so she’s currently in the process of making an app through crowdfunding. Nuclear Fusion will match people looking to support each other’s caregiving needs (childcare, senior care, errand running, house and pet sitting, companionship, etc.) as well as teach the skills needed to build and maintain a village, like how to communicate, advocate for your needs, and navigate decision making and conflict. The app will function similar to a dating app, with the security and background checks of nanny-finding platforms like SitterCity and Care.com. They are currently searching for investors, and just launched the alpha version of the app in July of 2024 for Kickstarter backers and will launch it for the public sometime in August.

Phil recently started the social real estate platform, LiveNearFriends , which helps people find homes that are within a short walk of friends and family. (It’s reported that your happiness increases when you live within a mile of a friend.) The new venture, which began in November of 2023, closed a funding round in March of 2024. Ultimately, community and close relationships are really what people want when they talk about that plot of land with friends.

Rhaina Cohen, a producer and editor for the NPR podcast Embedded , discussed the importance of having a variety of different close relationships in her book, The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center . “Research has shown that friendships are linked to happiness, greater marital satisfaction, and living longer,” she says in an interview with Good Housekeeping . “In interviews, I've heard people describe their friends as ‘soulmates’ or explain how deep friendships bring profound meaning to their lives.”

“We're taught that a romantic relationship is only successful if it functions as a one-stop-shop — where we can meet our needs for a confidant, co-parent, roommate, best friend and more,” she adds. “If a couple feels overwhelmed by all the responsibilities that fall to them, they may fault their relationship or themselves as individuals, rather than realize that we need larger support networks. One person is not enough to share all of life's burdens and joys.”

We weren’t always so focused on individual family units.

The benefits of having a village cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that healthy people who are more socially connected live longer , and that communities who engage in social connection regularly enjoy better health outcomes than communities who don’t. And according to the Harvard Happiness study , your relationships predict your happiness and healthiness later in life. It makes sense — villages are about taking care of each other and making sure everyone gets what they need.

Historically, having a village is also how we survived. “Anthropologists believe that for 95% of human history, we evolved within an egalitarian social structure. This shaped us to thrive on close social bonds, mutual support and shared responsibilities. We are hardwired to seek connection, collaboration, and fairness,” wrote Andie, who has a degree in anthropology and goes by Ancestral Habits on Instagram, in a May 20, 2024 post , citing evidence in How We Got Stuck: The Origins of Hierarchy and Inequality and Civilized to Death: The Price of Progress .

While there’s no straight line from our egalitarian villages to the nuclear family, eventually society moved away from resource sharing, and wealth and power amassed in the hands of the few. Capitalism and the church told us how we should live and what our families should look like . The ubiquitous nature of the nuclear family developed over periods of economic downturns, unrest, and times of prosperity, like during the Industrial Revolution, WWI, WWII, post-WWII growth and colonization.

Today a wide variety of non-nuclear family structures and living arrangements are on the rise. For instance, there’s been an increase in multigenerational households ( which doubled from 9% in 1971 to 18% in 2021), communal living and intentional community co-housing developments , living with one or more roommates, mommunes (i.e., single moms who live together), platonic friends or partners teaming up to live and sometimes raise kids together, and housing and resource sharing among people for whom the nuclear family has never worked.

Families who’ve tried different living arrangements feel supported by community.

Sam and Benjamin Hunter, who have been married for 15 years, live in a multigenerational household. They built a home together with Sam’s parents seven years ago. Sam’s parents were then in their late 60s/early 70s, and would eventually need help as they got older. Meanwhile, Sam and Ben had two young kids and needed help right then. “My mom suggested we move in together,” Sam says. “It was a very conscious and intentional decision.”

They spent months planning how the new living arrangement would work, going over things like privacy, childcare, day-to-day responsibilities and the design of the house. Sam’s parents help take care of the kids (Sam and Ben had a third child two years after moving in with Sam’s parents) and have a separate area of the house with a full kitchen, bedroom, den and a door that closes their section of the house off. For now, Sam and Ben mainly just help with property upkeep and the occasional technology-related task for Sam’s parents. “Everyone is responsive to people’s shifting needs,” Ben says.

Sam and Ben are also polyamorous and in a triad with Allie Long (they all date each other, and are open to dating others as well), who moved in with them in June 2023. All three co-parent together. “After my divorce, I was coming to terms with the fact that I might not have kids,” Allie says. “It all took shape at once. Sam's parents have been incredibly welcoming and wonderful.”

Allie is a musician, as are Sam’s parents. Before Allie moved in, Sam’s parents had gotten out of the habit of playing music. Now all three play their instruments after dinner, which is something Sam’s parents used to do when Sam was growing up. “It means a lot to them to have so much music back in the house,” Sam says.

Sam’s parents also appreciate knowing that there are three adults living at the house. “Both Allie and Ben work remotely, so there's almost always at least one of us there during the day. I think that’s really comforting to them,” Sam says. “And with so many adults there, Ben and I have more time for ourselves and our hobbies, so we can feel like more than just parents.”

Ember Cooley lives with a platonic partner who is aromantic, which means having little to no romantic attraction to others, and they often open their home to their village of loved ones.

They once lived with a roommate who has a young daughter. “When this child lived with us, caring for her became a community effort, involving people dear to us, including my partner's father, who we rent from and lives upstairs, and some neighbors,” Ember says. “Eventually, they found good housing far away, so we text and video call her daughter regularly, and have her stay with us on school breaks.”

They consider each of their loved ones irreplaceable. “Each deserves regular conversation about our needs and expectations, even if we have never been romantic or sexual. I value all the types of love I'm lucky enough to receive, equally,” Ember says.

Families have to be intentional about their organization.

Though the American family has changed, tax breaks, healthcare, citizenship and protection against discrimination still mainly applies to the nuclear family.

Lawyer Diana Adams thinks that U.S. laws need to expand to include protections for a diversity of families, and has helped spearhead efforts to do so in a variety of states. Most recently, she was part of the coalition that drafted and passed bills in Oakland and Berkeley to extend non-discrimination laws to cover individuals with diverse family and intimate relationship structures, including multi-partner/multi-parent families and relationships, step-families, multi-generational households, non-nuclear family structures, consensually nonmonogamous relationships and platonic partnerships, including asexual and aromantic relationships. “It benefits all of us to allow for the kinds of families that exist and give them the support they need to be stable,” Adams says.

No matter what kind of family or village you have or want to have, setting up agreements and really getting to know each other ahead of time is important. In particular, Adams encourages people and potential communities to make co-living agreements and parenting agreements, which are out-of-court agreements that you can make through contract law.

“What's important is that people make really clear what their expectations are,” she adds. “If you don't make a plan for how you communicate with each other, the loudest person is always going to be the default leader. It’s important that we be mindful about the power dynamics of gender, race, and class too, and think about what our decision making process is going to be and what our shared values are.”

Another thing to keep in mind: Before you make agreements and get started, you go slow. “Make sure that you've had your first fights and worked on a major project together that's going to be stressful and intense to see and develop that level of trust first,” Adams says.

She notes that it’s important to acknowledge that her work, and in particular, her suggestions about how we can live together well in community, non-nuclear family structures and extended family dynamics, are informed by wisdom found in immigrant communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color.

Without our villages, burnout and exhaustion have become the norm. But we have it within ourselves and our imaginations to create communities that return us to our roots. Alternatives to the nuclear family, including having a village, are becoming not only normalized, but desirable, reintroducing us to an idea that our ancestors took for granted — that we all function best when we’re part of a community.

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