Family system in Himachal Pradesh

Introduction :

The family, as a primary social institution has been undergoing change, both in its composition and structure. The family, as in many societies has been not only the center of socio-economic life, but also the primary source of social security and support for the members of the family. The increasing urbanization, commercialization of the economy and the development of the infrastructure of the modern state have brought changes in the composition and structure of Indian family in the 20th century. The last few decades have brought speedy and important changes in family relations. India's fertility rate has fallen and life expectancy has increased as well in Himachal Pradesh. All of these changes are taking place in the context of increased urbanization and high standard of living, which is separating children from elders and contributing and bringing change in the composition and structure of family-based support system.
As according to a study in a research paper, 36.00% families were having normal dual relationship and 30.00% families had a good dual relationship with their extended families. Only 10.00% families were involving dual relationship with their extended families where as 24.00% families were not connected/ poorly connected to their extended families. 46.00% families were having normal dual relationship and 26.00% families had a good dual relationship with their kinship reference group. With urbanization and migration, kinship bonds have been weakening in urban areas. However, there is also evidence that the kinship system is changing, adapting itself to the new demands. In urban areas, this extended kinship system is proving to be a viable organization even today, as it has facilitated the adaptation of its individual members to urban life by providing shelter and other material assistance.
Along with the change in the structure of the family from the traditional joint or extended family systems to the evolving nuclear form, changes have also been observed in role relationships and authority among family members. Norms of interpersonal relationships are gradually becoming more egalitarian and reciprocal.

Marriage:

All families were of the view that they enjoy taking the responsibilities of the caring and upbringing of their own children. Majority 90.00% families were able to fulfill their family needs whereas 10.00% have sometimes been unable to fulfill their family needs. 90.00% families were very careful about the health and hygiene of their family members. Only 10.00% were not bothered much about the health and hygiene of their family members. A large number of 86.00% families were very careful to plan about the future of their family members through regular saving whereas 14.00% were not regularly saving for the future. All family members were very supportive to each other whether they were working or not.

It is estimated that 40.00% families were in favor of arranging marriages whereas 38.00% were in favor of arranged love marriages. Only 22.00% were in favor of love marriages. The custom of arranged marriages has been a part of Indian culture since long back in the history of human evolution. This practice was primarily begun to transform and maintain the family traditions from one generation to the other. It is still prevalent in both rural and urban parts of India, former being more inclined towards the system. In fact, arranged marriages are still prevalent in masses, because concept of love marriage is not yet fully accepted. However, with the changing time, people (both urban and rural) are gradually opening up to the concept of love marriages which is otherwise considered against Indian culture.

Child rearing :

The western press very recently noticed that sharing child rearing- roles among the family community is a new idea. Proximity of parents with their children is considered very important in families as far as discipline and guidance of children are concerned. It is a firmly believed that children should start learning as early as possible in their childhood. Families in Himachal state believe in strict discipline, obedience, even passivity in their children. Families are still performing their duties as earlier; with the notable move from extended to nuclear families in some regions. As a result of this shift, family support is lessening and consequently the absence of nearer and dearer like parents or other relative to support, the nuclear family has to bear more responsibilities and do more work.

Family care :

All families were of the view that they enjoy taking the responsibilities of the caring and upbringing of their own children. Majority 90.00% families were able to fulfill their family needs whereas 10.00% have sometimes been unable to fulfill their family needs. 90.00% families were very careful about the health and hygiene of their family members. Only 10.00% were not bothered much about the health and hygiene of their family members. A large number of 86.00% families were very careful to plan about the future of their family members through regular saving whereas 14.00% were not regularly saving for the future. All family members were very supportive to each other whether they were working or not.

Conclusion :

Continuous urbanization of families is changing the structure, composition and practices of family. But family rituals are still being followed by young and old in the families, supporting all working as well as non-working members. Even in modern society some of the traditional family practices are still untouched and having a major role to play in family matters. Traditional marriage rituals and practices like financial exchange during marriage are very commonly practiced in the family. Efforts are needed to protect our traditional value system, joint family and other healthy family practices to maintain the family structure and composition for the betterment of society.