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Types and
Forms of Family
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 Types and Forms

 On the basis of marriage: Family has been classified into three major types:
 Polygamous or polygynous family
 Polyandrous family
 Monogamous family

 On the basis of the nature of residence family can be classified into three main forms:
 Family of matrilocal residence
 Family of patrilocal residence
 Family of changing residence

 On the basis of ancestry or descent family can be classified into two main types:
 Matrilineal family
 Patrilineal family
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 On the basis of size or structure and the depth of generations family can be classified into two main
types:
 Nuclear or the single unit family
 Joint family

 On the basis of the nature of relations among the family members the family can be classified into two
main types:
 The conjugal family which consists of adult members among there exists sex relationship.
 Consanguine family which consists of members among whom there exists blood relationship-
brother and sister father and son etc.
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 Joint Family
 Social Aspect:

 Solidarity of Relationship: In joint families, the close-knit bonds are primarily among blood relatives or
siblings, making them known as consanguineous families. Daughter-in-laws often take on most household
responsibilities, with limited importance placed on their role within the family.

 Importance of Members: Joint families emphasize the collective importance of the entire family over
individual members. Decision-making processes extend from minor issues to significant matters, including
decisions related to marriage, which are made at the family level.

 Marriage Alliance: Marriage alliances in joint families are formed between families rather than individuals.
This approach leads to unique relationships, where both husband and wife are related differently to various
family members. The limited interaction between the spouses often reduces conflicts between them.

 Political Aspect:

 Authority: Joint families appoint a family head who represents the entire family and makes collective
decisions. This head may be male or female, depending on whether the family follows a patriarchal or
matriarchal system.
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 Economic Aspect:

 Division of Labor: The division of labor in joint families is primarily based on age and gender. Men usually work
outside the home, while women are responsible for domestic tasks. Skills and talents are not a significant factor
in work assignments.

 Ownership of Property: Property in joint families is collectively owned, and individual ownership is not typically
permitted.

 Religious Aspect:

 Religious Activities: Joint families engage in religious activities collectively, with no individual member having a
personal stake in this domain.

 Cultural Aspects:

 Functions: Joint families often participate in various functions and rituals, which may be guided by specific rules
or ceremonies. These functions are performed collectively by the family members.

 Place of Residence: Joint families live together under one roof, sharing a common kitchen. This close
cohabitation fosters unity and shared living arrangements.

 The joint family structure places a strong emphasis on collective family ties, shared responsibilities, and
traditional roles in various aspects of life. It is characterized by its unique approach to decision-making, property
ownership, and the role of religious and cultural activities within the family.
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 Nuclear Family

 Social Aspect:

 Solidarity of Relations: In nuclear families, the focus of relations is primarily on affinal relationships
(relating to marriage), rather than blood ties. As a result, these families are referred to as conjugal
families. Members of the nuclear family are less dependent on blood relatives.

 Importance of Members: In nuclear families, each member holds individual importance, and no one's
desires or decisions are imposed on others. This structure values individual freedom, and decisions,
especially those related to marriage, are often based on personal choices.

 Political Aspect:

 Equal Rights: Nuclear families emphasize equal rights for all members, including children. These
families are often called filiocentric families. Decision-making is not based on compulsion but rather on
consensus, achieved through consultation among family members.
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 Economic Aspect:

 Division of Labor: Nuclear families distribute labor based on individual abilities and talents rather than
age and gender. This approach encourages shared conjugal roles within the family. Elizabeth Bott and
other sociologists have observed and supported this concept.

 Ownership of Property: Property in nuclear families is governed by modern rules, and ownership is
typically individual. Those who acquire property become its rightful owners.

 Religious Aspect:

 Secularization: In many Western countries with nuclear family structures, the advancement of science
and technology has led to reduced beliefs in supernatural entities and powers. Instead of relying on
religion, people turn to science and technology to solve their problems. This shift towards secular
ideologies has made religious activities at the family level less essential and obligatory for members.

 Nuclear families prioritize individual freedom and autonomy, allowing each member to make personal
choices and contribute equally to family decisions. They also reflect modern practices in terms of
property ownership and a reduced emphasis on religious activities.
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 In various aspects of society, the prevalence of nuclear families has led to significant changes:

 Prominence of External Agencies: In nuclear families, external agencies become essential for
various aspects of life, such as child socialization and entertainment. This is because family members
often specialize in certain fields, and they rely on external sources for goods and services. This
specialization has been studied by T. Parsons and William J. Goode, who highlight its importance in
industrial societies.

 Improved Status of Women: The increased elements of equality, freedom, and the right to decision-
making have weakened traditional patriarchy. Women's status has seen continuous improvement,
particularly due to their economic freedom. Ann Oakley describes this transformation in women as a
"dominant, mature feminine role."

 Increase in Individuality: Nuclear families promote individual consciousness as opposed to

Durkheim's concept of collective consciousness, where people tend to think alike. This individuality can
lead to economic prosperity. However, it can also have negative consequences, such as anomie, which
results in family dissociation and societal issues like increased crime, cybercrime, drug addiction,
alcoholism, prostitution, and juvenile delinquency. Additionally, individuality in nuclear families provides
people with more privacy, contributing to greater sexual freedom. In summary, nuclear families are
becoming more individualistic and democratic in nature.
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 The change in family structure in industrial society is influenced by several significant factors, with
industrialization being a primary driver. The main factors responsible for this transformation include:

 Industrialization: Industrialization, as explained by scholars like T. Parsons and William J. Goode, has played a
pivotal role in the emergence of nuclear families. In modern industrial society, the isolated nuclear family has
become the typical family structure. This is because industrialization necessitates geographical mobility for the
workforce, with individuals having specialized skills required to move to areas where those skills are in demand.
The isolated nuclear family structure is well-suited to this need for mobility. It allows for a narrower range of
obligations, primarily between husband, wife, and children, which fosters stronger bonds. Additionally, in a
society based on achieved status (where individuals are judged based on their accomplishments), the isolated
nuclear family is considered the best family structure because it minimizes potential conflicts that could arise in
larger family units. Furthermore, this family type is more effective at performing functions such as primary
socialization of children and stabilizing adult personalities through the expressive roles of mothers and wives.

 Modernization: Modernization processes, which encompass changes in technology, economies, and social
norms, have contributed to the shift towards nuclear families. These changes have brought about shifts in
traditional family roles and functions.

 Secularization - Role of Science & Technology: The rise of science and technology has led to secularization
in society, reducing the significance of religious and traditional family structures. Families now rely more on
science and technology to address various aspects of life that were previously governed by religious customs.
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 William J. Goode, like T. Parsons, believes that industrialization has led to a transformation in family
structures, particularly the decline of extended families and larger kinship networks. He offers several
key points to explain this shift:

 Geographical Mobility: Goode points out that the high rate of geographical mobility in industrial
society has decreased the frequency and intimacy of interactions among members of kin networks. The
upward mobility of individuals often leads them to adopt the lifestyles, attitudes, and values of their new
social class, which can distance them from their working-class kin. As a result, kinship ties are
weakened.

 External Agencies: Many functions that were traditionally performed by families have been taken over
by external agencies, such as schools, businesses, and welfare organizations. This reduces
individuals' dependency on their families and kin.

 Importance of Achieved Status: In industrial society, achieved status (individual accomplishments)

takes precedence over ascribed status (characteristics assigned at birth). This shift means that families
and kinship groups have less to offer to their members, further diminishing their significance.
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 As a response to these factors, people have increasingly adopted nuclear family structures, which
better suit the needs of the new industrial society. This shift towards nuclear families has been so
significant that even non-industrial families have embraced this structure.

 Goode also notes that while some upper-class industrial families may outwardly appear to have a joint
family structure, they are not truly united mentally and emotionally. He introduces the concept of "role
bargaining," where individuals aim to maximize their gains in relationships. They maintain good
relationships with family members and submit to their control as long as they perceive a favorable
return on their investment of time, energy, and emotions. This approach, characterized by freedom and
equality, ultimately functions like a nuclear family.

 In essence, Goode suggests that the changing industrial landscape and the rise of achieved status
have made the nuclear family more appealing and compatible with the needs of individuals in modern
industrial society.
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 Modernization has led to significant changes in family structures and societal norms. Several key
factors are responsible for these transformations:

 Role of Education: Modern education has played a crucial role in dispelling superstitions and
traditional beliefs. It has empowered people to understand their rights and become highly aware. With
the acquisition of specialized knowledge through modern education, individuals gain the potential for
social mobility, which is not feasible without it. This educational mobility enables people to break free
from pre-industrial class divisions and pursue higher social statuses. In this context, education
influences family structures, often leading to the prevalence of nuclear families.

 Change in Judiciary: Legislative changes, including various acts and laws, have significantly
improved the legal status of women. As women have become more aware of their rights and demand
equality and freedom, nuclear families have become more suitable for fulfilling these rights. This shift in
family structure is particularly evident in societies where the legal and social status of women has
improved.

 Change in Political System: The evolution of political systems, emphasizing equality and freedom for
all citizens, has contributed to the rise of nuclear families. This transition can be seen in non-industrial
Western societies where freedom from kinship obligations and the desire for personal autonomy have
led to an increase in nuclear families.
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 Change in Ideology: The shift in societal ideology has reshaped gender roles, particularly for women.
Ann Oakley's analysis of British society illustrates how modernization has granted women dominant
and mature feminine roles. In pre-industrial eras, the family was a crucial unit of production, but in the
modern context, it has become a unit of consumption. Women, who were once primarily engaged in
home-based economic activities, are now participating in the workforce, contributing to the prevalence
of nuclear families.

 Change in Mass Communication: The accessibility of mass media and communication has increased
awareness and mobility among the population. This heightened awareness has influenced family
structures as people are exposed to new ideas and lifestyles.

 Secularization:

 The demographic factors have become healthier, owing to which people adopted one or two child norm
which automatically decreased the family size, which in turn has led to the structure of nuclear family in
western societies. In Indian society also, people have adopted one or two child norm with the help of
legal or illegal use of technology, which finally shape the family in the form of nuclear family.