Erosion of Traditional Family Structure: A Barrier or Catalyst of Social Change?

Change is the natural occurrence; everything changes and takes new forms, whether it is culture, family structures, values, traditions. Traditional family structure once considered as a bedrock of the society has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. From traditional families characterised by hetero-sexual married couple with biological children to diverse family forms ranging from single parent household and blended families to same-sex partnerships and cohabiting couples, challenging the traditional conception of what family should be. Family being the cornerstone of society, changing values in it brings about changes in variety of areas of life. As we often say that law and society should change with changing times and needs of its people, there are conflicting perceptions among scholars, authors, social reformers and people regarding erosion of traditional family structures. On one hand, decline of traditional family norms is seen as contributing to various social problems like economic inequality, social fragmentation and general sense of social disintegration. While others see this shift as a driver of social transformation, promoting greater inclusivity, improved gender equality, individual freedom, and adaptation to modern realities. A lot has been said & done theoretically but is there same perception amongst those who belong to such family structures? To examine these paradoxes, this empirical research aims to explore the competing perspectives of people on erosion of traditional family structure: as a barrier or a catalyst of progressive social change. This research further aims to analyse how this erosion alters the social structures due to various factors.