Page 171 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Sukanya Das, Lovely Professional University Unit 23: Joint Family: Types and Functions

Unit 23: Joint Family: Types and Functions Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
23.1 Meaning of Joint Family
23.2 Main Features of Joint Family
23.3 Types of Joint Family

23.4 Functions (Merits) of Joint Family
23.5 Problems (Demerits) of Joint Family
23.6 Summary
23.7 Keyword

23.8 Review Questions
23.9 Further Readings

Objectives
After studying this unit, students will be able to:
• Understand the concept of joint family.
• Know the types of joint family.
• Explain the functions of joint family.
• Understand the importance of joint family.

Introduction
A joint family has been considered as an important feature of Indian social structure since
ancient time. Apart from Hindus, joint family system is also found in the non-Hindu fam-
ily organisations. Normally, joint family system is considered to be a special characteristics
of Hindus. Actually it exists all over India, because just like Hindus, it is also found in many
non-Hindu communities. The family organisation which we want to describe here may be
patriarchal, matriarchal or matrilineal in different communities. The traditional form of fam-
ily in India is a joint family which is prevalent on this ancient land for hundreds of years as
the descriptions of joint family is also found in the sacred books of the Hindu. The mean-
ing of ‘family’ is the same for Indians as the meaning of “joint family” in English. Nuclear
family is not an Indian concept. According to Karvy, “(here in India) A family means joint
Hindu family.” Religion, philosophy, economy system, and caste system are important part
of social life in India. Family is an important institution in all these above which has always
been a directive force of Hindu culture. Marriage and family is considered to be a part of re-
ligion in Hindus as the married life is called the root of all four religious orders referred to
the different periods of a persons life. In our holy scriptures, one is advised to renounce the

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 165