The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors... | UPSC 2014 GS1 PYQ

MAINS 2014

GS1

10 marks

The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss.

WRITE IN

7 min

150 words

What the examiner wants

Discuss whether the formation and break-up of joint families is driven more by economic factors than social values.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

1Economic factors: agrarian landholding and pooled labour sustain joint families; industrialisation, urban jobs, migration, salaried income lead to nuclearisation; housing costs≈30 words
2Counter-trend: economics can also keep families joint (HUF tax benefits, family businesses, urban childcare by grandparents, unaffordable housing)≈30 words
3Social values: filial duty, care for elderly, caste and kinship norms, marriage practices, sentiment keep 'functional jointness' alive even when separated≈30 words
4Conclusion: both shape the cycle; economic forces change form, values sustain functions≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Define joint family and life cycleEconomic driversSocial valuesFunctional jointnessConclusion

Cycle diagram: joint → partition on economic stress → nuclear → grows into joint again

ThinkerI.P. Desai's study of Mahuva (1964) found 'functional jointness': families living apart but sharing obligations.I.P. Desai, 1964
LawHindu Succession (Amendment) Act 2005 gave daughters coparcenary rights; the Supreme Court confirmed it in Vineeta Sharma v Rakesh Sharma (2020).Parliament 2005; Supreme Court 2020

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