Changing Family Structure in Rural Bangladesh: A Sociological Study in Chandpur District of Bangladesh

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explores transformative shifts in rural family and family relationship amid 21stcentury dynamics. Analyzing the impact of modernity and globalization, the research delves into the transition from traditional joint families to nuclear units. A triangulation method is followed to explore the objectives where a total of 120 respondents were interviewed using survey method for quantitative data through simple random sampling and Key Informative Interview to gather qualitative data from two villages of Chandpur district. A theoretical framework has been developed to understand the study concept more precisely. Findings reveal a preference for nuclear families driven by economic advancements, migration, individualism, and media influence. The study highlights the roles of economic opportunity; women's empowerment, education, and internet accessibility accelerate the transformation of traditional family and family relationship. Changes in household authority are observed, with both spouses participating in decision making. Challenges arising from evolving family systems, including moral decay and marital disputes, are discussed. Finally, this study demonstrates that the changing nature is being observed in rural family pattern of Bangladesh.