1 PERSON ,1 FAMILY , CULTURE: SOCIETY
NEWS: SC worried about rising '1 person, 1 family' culture; says unity 'eroding' in India that preaches vasudhaiva kutumbakam
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the rise of the "1 person, 1 family" culture in India, which contrasts with the traditional value of family unity. This shift is driven by urbanization, individualism, and changing social norms, leading to challenges like loneliness, financial pressure, and weakened family bonds.
What is Family?
• A family is a social group characterized by common residence, economic cooperation, and reproduction.
• It serves as the primary unit of socialization, influencing an individual’s behavior, identity, and values.
• In Indian society, the family has traditionally held a central role—not only as a unit of kinship but also as an emotional, moral, and economic anchor.
• Families in India have shaped interpersonal dynamics, providing emotional security, generational wisdom, and social discipline.
Emergence of the ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ Culture
• Shift from Joint Family System: India, traditionally known for its strong joint family system, is witnessing a significant transformation in family structures.
• Rise of Individualism: The ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ culture reflects the shift towards individual living, with people preferring to live alone or in nuclear family setups, particularly in urban areas.
• Urban Influence: In metropolitan areas, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and even the elderly are opting for solitude or small, independent family units over large, interdependent households.
Key Reasons for the Shift
• Rapid Urbanization and Economic Independence:
• India’s growing metropolitan cities are becoming global economic hubs, attracting professionals who prefer independent living in urban settings.
• Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are experiencing the highest surge in single-person living.
• Changing Aspirations and Individualism:
• Youth today prioritize personal growth, career aspirations, and self-development over family duty, leading to a rise in individualism.
• Traditional family structures are being challenged by the evolving needs and desires of the younger generation.
• Delayed Marriages and Changing Relationship Norms:
• Many urban Indians are opting to delay marriage, with live-in relationships, single parenting, and choosing to remain unmarried becoming more socially accepted.
• The total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to 2.0, indicating the shift in family structures and trends.
• Economic Pressures:
• Rising living costs and the fast-paced lifestyle in cities make living in joint families increasingly impractical.
• Influence of Western Lifestyles:
• Exposure to global cultures through social media, education, and employment abroad has influenced lifestyle choices in India, leading to more solitary living arrangements.
• Decline in Moral and Ethical Values:
• Increasing individualism and materialism have reduced the emphasis on virtues like empathy, respect, honesty, and sacrifice—values that have traditionally been the foundation of harmonious family life.
Challenges of the ‘1 Person, 1 Family’ Trend
• Mental Health Concerns:
• Loneliness and isolation can severely affect individuals, especially older adults and remote workers, leading to mental health challenges.
• Financial Pressures:
• Living alone can be expensive, with individuals facing financial pressures from rent, utilities, and daily living expenses.
• Declining Family Bonds:
• The rise of nuclear families and solitary living may weaken intergenerational relationships and diminish a sense of collective family responsibility.
Conclusion
• The Supreme Court of India’s concerns about the ‘1 person, 1 family’ culture highlight the need for reflection on the values that bind families together in India.
• While legal frameworks can address specific family-related disputes, fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and unity is essential to preserving the social fabric and traditional values of the nation.
• It is crucial to find a balance between modern aspirations and the cultural significance of family as an institution in India.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/one-family-two-worlds-sc-sounds-alarm-on-erosion-of-family-values-unity-in-india/articleshow/119632354.cms?from=mdr