Abstract

The joint family has long been regarded as a defining feature of Indian society offering a system of economic cooperation social support and cultural continuity. However in the backdrop of rapid urbanization economic liberalization and individualistic aspirations the traditional joint family structure in India is undergoing significant transformation. This paper explores the changing dynamics of joint family structures in urban India focusing on how socio-economic pressures migration changing gender roles and the influence of global values are reshaping family forms and relationships. Drawing upon qualitative interviews with urban families across metropolitan cities and a review of sociological literature the study uncovers patterns of functional adaptation emotional negotiation and intergenerational tension within modern joint households. The findings reveal that while the prevalence of joint families may be declining in urban India their essence continues to evolve in hybrid forms—su