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| The family is composed of a number of members living together in a home. They have definite purposes in living together. Thus a family is an associated group of people governed by certain rules and procedures. In this sense the family is an institution. | | The family is composed of a number of members living together in a home. They have definite purposes in living together. Thus a family is an associated group of people governed by certain rules and procedures. In this sense the family is an institution. |
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− | In India, the gotra system has greatly contributed to the evolution of family structure across various cultural groups. Vivaha samskara is based on the gotra system, thus directly playing a role in the family structure. Indian society has been unique in world history because of its value system. The value system embedded in the dharmic lifestyle has shaped the social behavior of a person as well as the social institutions. Traditional value system was laid down by the ancient Indian seers, and they include karma, punarjanma, purusharthas, varnas, ashrama vyavastha, samskaras. | + | In India, the gotra system has greatly contributed to the evolution of family structure across various cultural groups in India. Vivaha samskara is based on the gotra system, thus directly playing a role in the family structure. Indian society has been unique in world history because of its value system. The value system embedded in the dharmic lifestyle has shaped the social behavior of a person as well as the social institutions. The traditional value system was laid down by the ancient Indian seers, and they include karma, punarjanma, purusharthas, varnas, ashrama vyavastha, samskaras. |
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| + | == Origin of the Family == |
| + | Much sociological and anthropological research has gone into examining the historical origins of the family. Western researchers such as Lewis Morgan, Westermarck He and Briffault gave their theories about the origins of the family. While a few theories have been propounded, many scholars regarded the relative futility and uselessness of such activity. Data collected by conscientious investigators from all parts of the globe, at all levels of culture, have borne evidence to the existence of the family.<ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | Australian aborigines and the even more primitive Andaman Islanders, do have the family as a vital and socially significant grouping. Within the subcontinent of India, the most backward, materially and socially, of tribes like the Kadar, the Paniyan, the Malapantaram, the Chenchu, the Birhor and so on do have the familial organization.<ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | The family is based on simple and obvious facts It involves the recognition of just those who are closely related to one’s self through constant physical contiguity, physical cooperation, emotional bonds, and blood ties. Many opine that the family must have always existed, coevolving with the human culture.<ref name=":0" /> |
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| == References == | | == References == |
| <references /> | | <references /> |