Family is like a box of different colors that may look different and ordinary alone but together, they put a beautiful painting on life’s canvas. How a person reacts to certain things pretty much depends on the upbringing. Three is a famous quote “Family is not an important thing. Its everything” by Michael J. Fox. Family structures have evolved due to the introduction of modern culture and financial conditions. There are two predominant forms of family – Nuclear family and joint family. Both have pros and cons, and selection depends on factors such as lifestyle, personal belief, finance, and cultural values. In this discussion of joint vs nuclear family let’s see which one is better.
What is a Joint Family?
A joint family is where many generations and families of cousins live together. It includes the grandparents, uncle, aunt, and cousin in the family under one roof. A joint family has deep-rooted cultural values in them and always follows what the head of the person instructs.
- Financial responsibility is shared among the members.
- Have a great amount of cultural value.
- Collective decision making
- Respect the bond and connections
- There are only 16% of people live in joint families in India and the number keeps on decreasing.
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What is a Nuclear Family?
A joint family is where many generations and families of cousins live together. It includes the grandparents, uncle, aunt, and cousin in the family under one roof. A joint family has deep-rooted cultural values in them and always follows what the head of the person instructs.
- 52% of people are living in nuclear families in India and the number is increasing,
- Independent decision-making.
- Modern thinking.
- Have personal space and privacy.
- Limited liabilities
Advantages of Joint Family
- Support System – In tough times the joint family members support each other. Members can rely on each other for emotional, and financial support.
- Cultural Values – People in joint families respect their culture more. They respect their elders, follow their culture, and pass these values on to new generations.
- Collective Decision Making – From dishes for dinner to which college for education, from shopping to a selection of a person for marriage all are done with the decision of all members.
- Shared Responsibility – People share all the responsibilities among each other equally and one person does not have all the burden. Some adults go for the earnings and some take care of the household.
- Collective Growth – It’s not one person that uplifts when she or he gets the success instead it’s the success of the whole family.
- Social Life – Joint family people have a more interactive and interesting social life. They always have someone around them to interact with and spend time together.
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Advantages of Nuclear Family
- Financial Liabilities – Nuclear families, have limited financial liabilities and control their expenses as per the requirement. It will lead them to have a stable financial situation and they can invest in the future.
- Independent Decision Making – People who live nuclear family can make their decisions on their own. They do not need to rely on other family members.
- Modern Lifestyle – The main reason why people opt for the nuclear family is the adaption of a more modern lifestyle.
- Focus – In a nuclear family a father can look after their children and provide the best for them as per his earnings.
- Personal Space – Family member in nuclear families has their privacy and no one interferes in their decision-making.
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Difference – Joint family vs. nuclear Family
| Topic | Joint Family | Nuclear Family |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small – Typically 4-6 people | Large – More than 10 people |
| Structure | Father, Mother, and Siblings | Grandparents, cousins, uncle, aunt and more |
| Decision Making | Independent | Collective |
| Privacy | A greater amount of privacy | A lesser amount of privacy |
| Financial Stability | Dependent of One member | Multiple Members are earning |
| Social Life | Less Social Life | Has greater social interactions |
| Responsibilities | To one person | Shared responsibilities |
| Cultural Value | Influenced by Modern Lifestyle | Influenced by Cultural value |
Conclusion
Families are the first school of a child and have a significant impact on the life of a kid. Opting for a nuclear and joint family depends on various factors such as finances, conflicts, growth, and modern values. In the debate of the nuclear family vs. joint family, neither the nuclear family nor the joint family is worse. Both have their characteristic, advantages, and disadvantages. It depends on the teaching of the family to children and their needs. A joint family is a better option for a person with too much responsibility and stress. Similarly for a girl who wants to do the job but a joint family don’t allow her then the nuclear family is the better option.
