Families have both structure and function. As the bones and muscles in the body, the structure gives the family its size and shape. Like the body parts that perform functions necessary to keep the body functioning, certain vital functions keep families healthy. It sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote unity and stability. It ensures that our lives are governed by social structures, which are sustainable values ​​of social behaviour. Social structures shape our lives – for example, in families, communities, religious organisations and practices, or complex religious ceremonies, giving structure to our daily lives. Each social structure has social functions or effects on the functioning of society as a whole.

Social structures contain social relations, as well as any social institutions in the community. One example of social structure is a social class (upper class, middle class, and the poor). Family, religion, law, economy, and class are all social structures.

India and its family structure

India has a rich family structure which helps family members to survive in relationship groups. Previously, many families were reunited when family members lived together under one roof. They all work together, eat, serve, and cooperate in one way or another. This also helps the family be strong mentally, physically and economically; children also know the values ​​and traditions of the community from their grandparents and adults. The family plan has given great importance to India and has often worked to strengthen families stronger.

Meanwhile, urban and western migration contributed to the essential building of the Indian families. The fragmentation of the family into smaller parts is not a sign of people rejecting this traditional structure. Circumstances and conditions also created the need for people to separate families.

The family as a social centre has been changing, both construction and operation change. In India, as in many other traditional communities, the family was the centre of social and economic health and a significant source of support for family members. The growth of the commercial economy and the development of modern state infrastructure brought about a dramatic change in the structure of families in India in the 20th century. In particular, the last few decades have seen significant changes in family life.

India’s fertility rate has plummeted, and couples are beginning to bear children in the future. At the same time, life expectancy has increased, leading to more older adults in need of care. All of these changes occur in the context of urban sprawl, which divides children and adults and contributes to the disintegration of family support systems. 

LEGAL ADVANCEMENTS IN THE ROLE OF WOMEN 

• The Hindu Marriage act, 1955 governs the Hindu people as per the conditions. This act clearly states that both men and women can ask for alimony in cases of divorce. However, in The Special Marriage act, only a wife can ask for alimony from a husband, but the vice-versa is not true. 
• Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the husband is allowed to claim alimony from his wife if he happens to be earning less than she is.
• As the Hindu law governs, the eldest male member can be the Karta of the family. However, under the Hindu Succession (amendment) act, 2005, females were given equal rights as men. They were also stated as coparceners in a family even after their marriage. Relying on the same judgment in Mrs Sujata Sharma vs Shri Manu Gupta & Ors, the Delhi high court held that an eldest female member of a family, the coparcener in a HUF, may become the Karta of a HUF. 
• Daughter, mother, widow, predeceased son’s daughter and his widow, predeceased son’s widow, daughter’s daughter are entitled to their respective shares as per the provision.
• A Daughter is equally liable for their parents maitenance’s. Whether she is married or not, she is entitled to give maintenance to their parents. However, before passing the order to the married daughter, she can give maintenance only when her husband is financially stable and independent. 
• The Bombay High Court also said that an adoptive mother is also liable for the maintenance under Cr.P.C.

Aishwarya Says:

I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.

If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.

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