Abstract

The family has historically functioned as the most fundamental social institution in Indian society serving as the primary unit for socialization economic cooperation cultural transmission and emotional support. For centuries the Indian family system was predominantly characterized by joint family arrangements strong kinship ties patriarchal authority and collective responsibility. However in recent decades Indian society has been undergoing rapid socio-economic cultural and demographic transformations that have significantly altered the structure and functioning of the family. Processes such as industrialization urbanization modernization globalization expansion of education migration and the growing participation of women in the workforce have collectively reshaped traditional family patterns. This research paper examines the changing structure of the family in Indian society focusing on the transition from joint to nuclear families changing marital practices evolving gender roles in