A joint family is undivided family where members of more than one generation live together under one roof (grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts and their children). Joint families are like music with high and low notes. If you want to know advantages and disadvantages of a joint family then you must read this article. Growing up in a joint family can have a significant influence on a child. So, is a joint family setup right choice? Joint family is a beautiful institution most of us have grown up listening to this idea and believing in it as well. Our movies portray a joint family as one where everyone eats together, laughs together, and supports each other during both good and bad times. Despite recent trend of nuclear families and growing urbanisation, many still desire joint families for various reasons. In this article, we will discuss about some advantages and disadvantages of a joint family.

Like every other social system, joint family system also has its share of advantages and disadvantages. But, importance of a joint family is still acknowledged by many. Even in this age of nuclear family, joint family system exists and remains relevant. As with every system, family structure is also evolving. Some reasons for this change are scarcity of living space, an increase in number of households where both partners work, a jump in number of single parents and so on.

A family is that ‘umbrella’ whose value is not realised until the stormy clouds loom over you. But, when you look up with a hope that someone will come to your rescue, first silent approaching steps will be of your family members. This is ‘FAMILY’. So, is joint family a good or bad system? Let’s delve deeper to understand what is keeping this old system alive, evolving and relevant.

A joint family has more people than a nuclear family and hence benefits are multiplied. Discussing few benefits you can reap by being part of a joint family- you grow up together, learn together; agree-disagree; fight and make-up, move on in your lives, but in end, when you need someone, you know your siblings and your family will be right there. Joint family is more stable and durable-than single unit family or nuclear family. Individuals may come and go but family as a unit stands. It contributes much to continuation of cultural tradition. Many values that parents want to teach children are taught well in joint household. Growing up together, children learn to share, care for and respect everyone. They also learn how to empathise with those around them. Joint family system enjoys all advantages of a simple division of labour. Here work is distributed among members on basis of age and sex keeping individual ability in view. With so many people coexisting in a joint family, often an individual can get their source of emotional support from many people. Financial burden upon an individual is also reduced when they live in a joint family. Loneliness is out of question when one lives in a joint family because with so many people around, there is always a constant source of entertainment.  Joint family avoids evils or fragmentation of land by holding property in common. Joint family is almost like a joint-stock company. Joint family is advantageous from economic viewpoint. This system helps in securing economy in expenditure. Since things are consumed in a large quantity they can be obtained at cheap rate. A large family can be maintained within a small means if it lives jointly. So, we have discussed some major advantages of joint family system.

In present context, joint family system for most part, has lost its effectiveness. Some of its merits have turned out to be dysfunctional in certain respects. Demerits of joint family system are:

In a joint family, privacy could be biggest causality. A newlywed couple may not get enough space and time to talk, considering many people around them. A personal matter could become entire family’s business and there could be too many interventions or interference than one may like. Head of family is usually in charge of everything in a joint family. In such a set-up, you may feel dependent on others and that others are controlling your life. Living in a joint family could be difficult if you are an independent person. You are not permitted to take your own decisions. Even a small decision will pass on to all elders and then will be taken. No one in house is allowed to make decisions without taking consideration of elders. There is a difference between a daughter and a daughter-in-law in many joint families. Both are not treated equally. Many daughters-in-law complain that they are dominated by their mothers-in-law and are forced to follow old traditions. They need to follow specific rules and regulations set by elders in family. Members of nuclear families do not get liberty to share their financial troubles with other members, like in joint families. They are ones who are entirely responsible for their financial liabilities. Members of a joint family are more likely to inherit properties of their forefathers than members of a nuclear family. Thereby, latter has to make their own property. Joint family is hotbed of quarrels and bickering. Quarrels are common among female members of family. Quarrels between wives of brother, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is very common.

Family is essential segment of our life. Everyone wants to live a happy and prosperous life with their family. It can be nuclear or joint. Both types of families have their own merits and demerits. It is our personal preference to choose type of family in which we want to live. I hope written article mentioning and discussing pros and corns of joint family system would be fruitful for your knowledge.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 16 2023

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