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Colonel Prashant Rawal

A Traditional Family Model: One for All-All for One


I am referring to the family model of a society where people of different ages and relationships lived together with parents who were respected for their wisdom in old age. Parents also lovingly guided and supported the younger generations.

However, this society is experiencing rapid urbanization and westernization. As a result, the family structure has changed significantly. Children generally move to greener pastures, and in most cases, the elderly have to fend for themselves.

The family configurations mentioned here includes:

  1. The head of the family is usually the oldest member of the family.

  2. He/she is responsible for making decisions considering other members’ suggestions.

  3. All members must contribute in a “common kitty” towards the financial health of the family.

  4. Families share a common kitchen.

  5. All members must share household tasks.

  6. After marriage, children live in the same household as other family members.

Benefits of the system

Some of the obvious benefits are:

  1. Embrace family values

  2. Many of the values parents want to teach their children are well learned in a shared home.

  3. Children who grow up together learn to share, care for, and respect everyone.

  4. You also learn to empathize with the people around you.

  5. Closeness

  6. Growing up with relatives of different ages provides opportunities for children to connect and form close bonds with everyone.

  7. Especially the relationship with grandparents that almost every child cherishes.

  8. This feature is one of the main characteristics of communal furniture.

  9. Shared Support System

  10. For working parents who need someone they can trust for their children, this family system is a great help.

  11. Parents worry less when they have uncles, aunts, and grandparents who take good care of their children and think about their interests.

  12. Thus, they have free time to socialize, meet each other for a private dinner, or hang out with friends.

  13. Ease of work

  14. Large families work in large teams, especially when it comes to daily chores such as cooking and cleaning.

  15. Family members come together to make sure tasks are completed ahead of time.

  16. As a result, no one in the family is stressed out by work.

  17. Financial Security

  18. All earning household members contribute to a common fund for household expenses.

  19. The system also serves as a safety net. When a member suffers a financial loss or loses their job, others come together to take care of their day-to-day needs.

  20. “Savings” is thus a natural outcome.

Prognosis

  1. The model represents a traditional Indian family.

  2. As one of the most ancient institution in India, the Indian family has three pillars:

  3. Honesty

  4. Loyalty

  5. Unity

  6. The first lessons of the sacrifice of collectivism and individualism are learned at home.

  7. Extended family and relationships are major aspects of the Indian family system.

  8. As a society, Indians often emphasize loyalty and interdependence.

  9. Family interests usually take precedence over personal interests, and decisions about personal life, such as marriage and career, are usually made in consultation with the family.

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