Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Indian society is witnessing a gradual transition from joint family structures to nuclear and single-person households. This shift reflects deeper demographic, economic and cultural transformations accompanying modernisation, urbanisation and demographic ageing.

• Between 2001 and 2011, the nuclear family emerged as the dominant household form in India, with its share rising from 51.7% (9.98 crore of 19.31 crore households) to 52.1% (12.97 crore of 24.88 crore households), underscoring a steady shift away from joint family structures.

Body:

Factors Driving the Transformation

• Social factors:
  • Urbanisation and migration: As per Census 2011, over 45 crore internal migrants exist, many moving for work and education, leading to fragmented families.
  • Changing gender roles: NFHS-5 (2019–21) shows a steady rise in female education and workforce participation, reducing dependence on extended family support.
  • Demographic change: Declining fertility (TFR at 2.0, NFHS-5) reduces family size, making joint households less viable.
• Economic factors:
  • Shift from agrarian to service economy: Non-farm employment prioritises mobility over family-based occupations.
  • Housing constraints: Urban housing shortages and high rental costs favour nuclear households.
  • Income individualisation: Wage-based employment weakens economic interdependence among kin.
• Cultural factors:
  • Rise of individualism: Delayed marriage, increasing acceptance of single living and divorce.
  • Globalisation: Media exposure and consumer culture promote privacy and autonomy.
  • Erosion of patriarchal authority: Greater decision-making autonomy for youth and women.

Implications for Social Security and Care Systems

• Increased Burden On Formal Social Security Systems: The decline of joint families has weakened traditional support mechanisms, increasing dependence on state-led social security such as old-age pensions, health insurance, and welfare schemes, especially for the elderly and single-person households.
• Elderly Care Deficit: With a rising elderly population and fewer family caregivers, there is growing demand for institutional and community-based elder care, including day-care centres, assisted living facilities, and geriatric healthcare services.
• Pressure On Childcare And Care Services: Nuclear households with working parents rely more on creches, Anganwadis, and private childcare, placing additional stress on early childhood care and development infrastructure.
• Rise In Care Inequalities: Access to quality care increasingly depends on income, leading to disparities between those who can afford private services and those dependent on under-resourced public systems.
• Mental Health And Social Isolation Concerns: Single-person households and elderly couples face higher risks of loneliness, depression, and social isolation, necessitating stronger mental health services and community engagement initiatives.

Conclusion:

While the shift towards nuclear and single-person households signifies socio-economic progress, it weakens traditional care networks. India must strengthen formal social security, healthcare, and community-based care systems to ensure inclusive and dignified social support in a rapidly changing society.