Marriage and family structures in the rural Punjab: A shift from conservative to contemporary patterns

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look into marriage patterns and family structure and changes therein over the period of 50 years. Reasons for change in marriage patterns are also included. It also includes marriage arrangements in the village by time periods. The latter part of the paper explores changes in family structure and its relevant reasons over the decades.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey was conducted to attain and assess the required information. An interview schedule was developed as a tool for data collection. Systematic sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents (aged 55+). These respondents were assumed to have observed the changes over the decades. The results were based on trend analysis from 1960s through 2008.

Findings

The results showed that material exchanges on the vital events have declined with the exception of marriage occasion over the period of time. The data shows that most of the marriages were taking place between close relatives from 1960s through 1980s. Substantial decline in these marriages was replaced by corresponding increase in inter-caste marriages after 1990 due to education and economic factors. During the same period, a shift is observed from joint family system to nuclear one.

Social implications

Policy makers might consider various social trends to manage changes in a traditional society.

Originality/value

This paper focusses on changes in marriage patterns and family structure along with their pertinent causal factors in a rural community of the Punjab, Pakistan.

Citation

Farooq, A., Kayani, A.K. and Ahmad, K. (2015), "Marriage and family structures in the rural Punjab: A shift from conservative to contemporary patterns", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 35 No. 5/6, pp. 306-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-05-2014-0034