UPSC Mains 2014 · GS I · Q13 · 10 marks · 150 words

The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss.

हिन्दी में

संयुक्त परिवार का जीवन चक्र सामाजिक मूल्यों के बजाय आर्थिक कारकों पर निर्भर करता है । चर्चा कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “In contemporary India, marriage is increasingly perceived as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation. Enumerate the socio-economic forces behind this transformation and assess its potential impact on family structure.”

Sandeep BadadAIR 82 · CSE 2025 · 186 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Marriage is the primary institution that weaves a family.

Body · points

Change in perception

→ 29% reduction in arrange marriages as per a study

Societal obligation → Personal choice Family affair → Individual affair

Socio economic forces behind:

  1. Modern education → Liberal values Like equality, respect for each other, You only live once, my life - my choice

  2. Aspirations → about personal growth and lifestyle leads to seeking a comfortable partner not a commanding patron

  3. Economic independence → traditional notion of marriage was to protect women's livelihood has changed so need for protector is declined

(4) Patriarchal rigidity → goes against modern liberal generation. (5) Individualism → autonomy over ones life and choices. (6) Fear of bondage to freedom loving generation.

Impact on family: (1) Weakening of social bonds and decline of joint family institution. (2) Double income no kids syndrome. (3) Filial relations and duties diluted. (4) Rising rate of divorce, single parent household. (5) on the other side, it can create a

Close · a summary

healthy family.

Marriage and family are in state of flux. They are reconfiguring to suit the needs of changing times.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Q13. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.