How society shapes family?

          Just like an individual is a fundamental unit of family, family is the fundamental unit of society. In the same way, just like the family has influences on an individual, society has influences on the family. It is also important to consider that the influences are mutual i.e. families as a unit shape the society, and society shapes basic values within families. So, let us see how society shapes family in three different ways.

1.    The hierarchy of a family is shaped by the society. Traditionally, the society has been patriarchal in most of the countries which gives the main authority in the family to the eldest male member. However, as the society has evolved over time, in many countries the society is becoming more inclined towards the Egalitarian approach where both authority and responsibility are balanced among both sexes.

2.    The size of the family is also shaped by the society. In past, the families used to be large, so called Joint Family, having many children and more than two generations living under same roof. It was thought that more helping hands would bolster the economic condition of the family. However, the society has changed now. There is more emphasis on independence. People prefer to live in Nuclear Family, where they can live the life like they want, giving birth to less children and fulfilling their smaller needs.

3.    The migration pattern is also shaped by the society. If a society is harmonious having right environment for leading a normal life, families tend to remain there. On the contrary, if a society is prone to frequent criminal activities and chaos, families move in order to find a better place. Also, the modern society with access to large number of transportation options and diverse opportunities is likely to see the families migrate quite often. In the same way, some families are culturally bound to migrate on and on, like gypsies. This is also shaped by the society.

          Apart from these, we can find many more examples, which can be different according to the society we live in. Nonetheless, we can still find common things among vast number of societies spread across the world.

 © Dixit Bhatta 2013

Gender Roles and Inequality

          In my opinion, gender roles exist because we are “conditioned” to do so since a long time. Historically, we have adapted more or less the same perception towards each gender, and although there have been many positive reforms, the influence of that “conditioning” still has a long way to eventually become more balanced. For example, since our childhood we are cultured to reflect our gender. Young girls generally play with their tea sets and dolls, while young boys play with action figures or try some physical sports. It is not that they are not interested in the things of the other side, we have seen great women athletes as well as male fashion designers, but we are shaped by the views passed on from generation to generation. That is why I think gender roles exist.

          Analyzing the above facts closely, we can say that gender is something “learned” to a large extent. The values and norms about how a person belonging to a particular gender should behave are revealed to us since our childhood. We are introduced to the things that are feminine or masculine in nature, and are directed towards the relevant ones. Then, we are exposed to the attributes like “strong”, “emotional”, “rough”, and “caring” to name a few, that ultimately make us aware of our association with particular gender. And, basically those things shape our thinking for the rest of our lives.

          Gender roles clearly create inequality in the society. Until and unless the gender roles stress on the superiority of a particular gender, there will always be inequality. Imagine if a man is running a race with complete independence while a woman is carrying children, household works and economic dependency on her back, would it be a fair race? This is certainly the case in many developing countries where gender roles have increased the responsibilities but limited the opportunities for women. So, as long as the gender roles remain conservative, we can never expect a wise solution to inequality.   

 © Dixit Bhatta 2013