Different Family Systems

The structure of the families of a state can make a huge difference in the entire functioning of the state. Therefore it is required to understand the different forms and types of families while studying for the public service commission. 

Kerala is known to be one of the most educated states in India. The literacy rate is too high in this state, and as a result, it leads to more competition. Kerala PSC is one of the well-known public service commission bodies in which the applicants of Kerala can apply for a civil service job. The level of competition is quite high as the number of applicants applying for this job is more. One of the important aspects of the syllabus consisting in this exam is to know and get an understanding of the different structures of families. 

The family system practiced in Kerala

• Patrinial System of family

 This kind of family system included the children inheriting the property of the father. This kind of family has more weightage for the family members who belong to the paternal or males involved.  In simple words, it means tracing descents by the paternal lines. This system also included the follow up of patriarchy, where the men are considered to be the head of the family. 

• Matriarchal System of family 

This kind of family includes matrilineal descendent prevalence. This is practiced in Kerela in today’s world. In this kind of family system, the tracing of the descendent is done through the females. It was practiced and followed by ambalavasi, Nair castes, and tribal groups. 

Discussion about joint family

 The family in which more than four to five members live is considered a joint family. The joint family consists of many members staying together in a house.

Features of joint families

•  The families are large in size.
• The members that are included in the family live in the same house. 
• There is a blood relationship involved with other members of the family. 
• The worship of the family is common and their values are as well. 
• In this kind of family, all the members who live are the owner of each and every property of the house.

Difference between extended family and joint family

The primary difference between extended family and joint family is that extended family is a family which consists of more than one or two generations. This means the grandparents, their offspring live with their children. On the other hand, when siblings, their respective spouses, and children live together, they form a joint family.  

Discussion about nuclear family

A nuclear family consists of only one couple and their children. This clearly means that only a father, mother, and their offspring live together. A nuclear family generally consists of four to five members in the house. In this kind of family system, only 4 to five members are the maximum number of people who live together. This kind of family does not require extended family members to live together. 

 Features of the nuclear family

• In the nuclear family, there is only one generation. 
• This kind of family consists of only one family, that is a husband-wife and their child. 
• There are no requirements for sharing any kind of property with anyone. Only a limited number of people who live in the family share each and every property of the house.

Conclusion

C Conclusively, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that we are unable to describe the family system in any manner. The family is made up of people who are of the same race or have the same DNA, and these phrases may also be used to describe the emotional link that exists between people who live together. However, it is possible to say that the family is separated into many types of groups. Nuclear, joint, matrifocal, extended, and mixed are the types. The family system is responsible for a child’s conduct and upbringing. It is evident in their conduct as they get older. In addition to this, there are different kinds of family systems that consist of Kerala. Different kinds of family systems have different vibes and feelings. The emotional connection is one of the important things that a family consists of. However, it can be said that the number of joint families is comparatively less as compared to the nuclear family. It is quite evident that we see the number of nuclear families more in the country than the joint family.