Indian family relationships, marriage, and career choices in the context of globalization: A multigenerational evaluation

Abstract

The present study aims to explore and compare changes in Indian family relationships, marriage, and career choices from the perspectives of three different generations. A total of 30 participants, 10 from each of the three generational groups participated in the study: 61 years and above (pre-globalization generation [Pre-G]), 40 – 60 years (transition generation [Trans-G]), and 18 – 30 years (contemporary young generation [Cont-G]). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in February and March 2023. Thematic analysis revealed several major changes perceived by the participants, including the shift from joint families to nuclear families, changes in filial piety, an increased sense of individual autonomy, a more egalitarian nature of families, an increase in the number of working women, a decrease in the quality of family relationships, more authoritative parenting, positive in-law relationships, changes in the nature of marriages, changes in the process of mate section, and changes in decision-making about education and career. The comparison of perspectives across the three generations showed distinct differences. The older generation was critical but showed a readiness to accept changes. The middle generations viewed the changes negatively and exhibited high resistance. In contrast, the younger generations viewed the changes as liberating and were willing to embrace them. The implications for family policies and cross-cultural research are discussed.