Q.4. Point out its impact of industriliazation on institution. (AKTU. 2010 - 11)
Ans. Impact Of Industrialization On Institution: -
The institutions of marriage and family are to be found in every society. In the past, marriage was considered to be a permanent and inalienable bond which could not be terminated at will. But now, under the impact of industrialisation, divorces are not uncommon. The following discussion will make explicit the impact of industrialisation upon the institution of marriage;
(i) Marriage as a Social Contract: -
carriages were supposed to be made in heaven and only God could severe a marital bond. But with the advance of industrialisation, these beliefs are considered superstitious and anyone holding them is frowned upon. Today marriage is regarded as a social contract between a man and a woman by many people. The aim of marriage in modern times has ceased to be spiritual and now its aims are economic, social and biological mainly.
(ii) Higher Age of Marriage: -
With the industrialisation, the age of marriage is advancing; it is getting higher and higher over the years. In metropolitan towns of India boys and girls are generally marrying at the age of 25 to 3 5.
(iii) Practice of Non-marrying : -
As a consequence of rejection of the traditional beliefs and attitudes many young men and women in big towns prefer to live single. According to their thinking and beliefs, the major need filled by marriage is biological and this can be easily satisfied out of wed-lock.
(iv) Practice of Love Marriages : -
In mills, factories, offices and other places, both men and women work together. As a result, individuals become intimate and the intimacy becomes love which ultimately blossoms in marriage.
(v) Increase in Divorce Rate: -
The industrial society is becoming more and more complex. Husband and wife work in separate social spheres. As a result of this, marital bonds are getting weaker. The mental conflict increases and the situation of divorce develops.
Impact of Industrialisation on Family
Besides affecting the institution of marriage, industrialisation produces effects upon the institution of family. Some of the important effects of industrialisation upon family are as under:
(i) Role of Family: -
Traditionally, an Indian family used to be a centre of birth, rearing and education of children. But in the industrialised society of today the family is not required to fulfil these roles. Today children are born in hospitals. In big towns, we find today a number of Infant-Care Centres and Playway Schools. The education of children today is done in schools and not in homes. The professional training also is no longer the obligation of the family.
(ii) Breaking-Up of Joint Family: -
Traditionally, most of the Indian families were joint families. As a result of industrialisation, most of these joint families are breaking up and are being replaced by nuclear families. In industrial towns there is acute shortage of residential accommodation. Most of the people have to content themselves with a single or two room accommodation. In these circumstances it is physically exceedingly difficult if not impossible to retain the joint family system.
(iii) Nucleus Families: -
As a result of industrialisation, the cost of living has gone up. Everybody wants good clothes, house and other comforts of life. Obviously, it is not possible to maintain the standard with a big family. Therefore, people these days want to keep small families.
(iv) Status of Women: -
In past the status enjoyed by women in Indian society was rather low. As a result of industrialisation there has been much improvement in the status of women. Alongwith men, women today work in all walks of life. They are therefore becoming independent economically. Their status and respect in society has therefore improved considerably. Now-a-days women consider themselves equal. even superior, to men. As a result of this feeling.
(v) Disintegration of Family: -
As a result of industrialisation, the outlook of intense individualism has grown. Everyone wants to have his own way; no one likes to be subject to any body. Thus we find in modern society families cracking up under stress and strain. There is continuous tension and conflict in the minds of family members.
(vi) Change in Family Goals: -
The housewife used to regard her husband as a divine being. The father was regarded to be the head of the family and his command was rarely defied. In the industrial society, there is no room for such ideals. For a modern wife the husband can be at best an honourable colleague and, under no circumstances, a god. The powerful status of father in a family is being lowered as a result of industrialisation.
