Qualitative Analysis of Urbanization and the Transformation of Traditional Family Structures

Abstract

The study has been planned to investigate broadly the impact of urbanization on the transformation of the traditional family structure. More specifically in qualitative research it has been explored, the impact of urbanization on shifting from extended to nuclear family structure, weakening of kinship and community bonds, economic pressures and family restructuring, transformation of gender roles, individualization and autonomy in family decisions, diversification of family forms, migration and translocal family systems, generational conflict and cultural change. In qualitative research sixty (60) in-dept interviews (twenty from each city.) were conducted with individuals (Head of household or senior member of the family) from diverse family type from the three major cities of Pakistan Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad and six focus group discussion were conducted with head of household or senior member of the family (6-8 participants). Focus group discussion were also conducted one from each city. Thematic analysis has been used to analyzed the qualitative data. It has been found that due to the urbanization a massive family transformation has been occurred in all the cities of Pakistan. It is recommended all the efforts must be exercised to promote the benefits of traditional family systems for the family development and wellness.

Keywords: Urbanization, Transformation of Traditional Family Structures, nuclear family, gender roles, digital technology, cultural rituals, psychological stress, socioeconomic status.