ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF JOINT FAMILY

A child’s experience growing up in a family with other children can significantly influence. 

The concept of a joint family is beautiful. Most people grew up hearing it and believing in it. A joint family eats together and laughs with each other and provides support during good and bad times.

The advantages and disadvantages of the joint family system are similar to any other social system. Many still recognize the importance of a blended family. The common family system is still relevant even in the age of the nuclear family.

What is a Joint Family?

A joint family in India is a large, undivided family with more than one generation of members. This could include grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and their children.

The family structure is changing, just like every other system. This change can be explained by a decrease in living space, an increase in households where both parents work, and a rise in single parents. However, Indians are still inclined to the joint family system, despite changing times.

Is the joint family a sound system or a bad one? Let’s dive deeper to discover what keeps this system relevant, alive, and evolving.

Characteristics of a family unit

• The eldest family member is typically the head of the family.
• Although family members can offer suggestions, the responsibility for making decisions lies with the head of the family.
• Each family member shares a single kitchen.
• Each member is expected to contribute financially to the running of the family.
• All members must share the household chores.
• They should work together and support one another, ensuring the system has its fair share of merits and detriments.
• The children live together with their families after marriage.

Benefits of a blended family

• Unity: Children can build close relationships and connect with their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins as they grow up. The bond that almost all children cherish is the one with their grandparents. This is one of the essential characteristics of a household that has a joint head.
• Instilling family values Parents want their children to learn many values in a joint home. Children learn to respect, share and care for others when they grow up together. They learn to understand and sympathize with others.
• Shared Support System: This family system is great for working parents who want someone to trust with their children. Parents feel less anxious when they have aunts, uncles, or grandparents who are there to care for their children and keep their best interests in mind. Parents feel less stressed when socializing with their children, having time with their friends, and catching up at private dinners.
• Divisions of labor A large family acts as a team when it comes time to do household chores such as cleaning or cooking. Families work together to ensure tasks are completed on time and sometimes even earlier. This ensures that no one feels stressed about work.
• Financial security All family members who earn a living contribute to the household expenses fund. This system acts as a safety net. If a member cannot work or loses their job, the others help him or her by ensuring that all of his or her daily necessities are met.

This is why the value of the joint family will never diminish. The joint family:

• Encourages cooperation and the best use of resources
• Members bond and understand each other.
• Teach the concept of “one for all, all for one.”
• Elders are made to feel valued and supported

Advantages of a family unit

• Insufficient privacy: When there are many family members, having enough privacy and/or too much together time can be a problem. It can cause marital discord if a family member is constantly called to take on responsibilities. A couple must be aware of their surroundings when exchanging compliments, gestures, or engaging in an argument or discussion in a married household.
• Less freedom to express: A woman might have trouble finding her comfort zone, particularly in a couple. She may be unable to decide on the food, decorate the house, or even wear something she likes and leave her room. Other family members may dismiss her ideas at times.
• Dispute on finances: The issue of how and what money should be spent in a joint household is one of the significant issues. Although everyone contributes cash to the house’s running, the family head decides how the money is spent. Sometimes the family head’s decisions may not be popular with other family members. This can lead to arguments and disagreements.
• Parenting in large families can be difficult because of conflicting parenting styles. Parents may be bombarded with advice from many adults of different types. Interference can occur in all aspects of childcare and child-rearing, from diapers to food to discipline. These intrusions can be more frustrating and confusing for a new mom.
• Discontentment and distress: In the long term, any or all of these factors could lead to discontent and unhappy family members. These issues can lead to a conflict, even small ones like not being able to make a particular dish or inviting a friend over to a party. Sometimes, family members may attempt to take unfair advantage of others. This can lead to frustration. Family friction can also arise when those earning more than others try to dominate.

The HUF Act

India’s HUF (Hindu Undivided Family Act) supports the importance of the joint family. The law allows a Hindu family to create a HUF. All members of a HUF must descend from the same ancestor. A HUF enjoys other benefits, including tax benefits. Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs, can also form a HUF.

Preferred family structure 

A joint family is not perfect. There is no ideal family system. Some families manage to make the system work by defining responsibilities and responsibilities, being respectful of each other, and being kind and helpful. It all boils down to what we desire for our children and ourselves and what is possible.