Answer: 

In India, as in many traditional societies, the family has always been the center of social and economic life and the main source of support for its members. The increasing commercialization of the economy and the development of the infrastructure of the modern state have introduced significant changes in the family structure in India. 

Due to inter-related factors like economy, education, demography, migration, urbanization, etc., the family as a social institution has undergone changes in its structure and functions. 

Changes in structure and functions of family 

• Structural changes: 

• Family size: Changing preference from joint family to nuclear family, resulting in reduced family size. 

• For example, according to the 2011 census, there are 12.97 crore nuclear families out of 24.88 crore households. 

• Change in authority: Earlier the power and authority were totally vested in the male head of a family, but now other members of the family also have a say in matters related to the family.  

• For example, the family is becoming democratic and many decisions in the family are taken collectively. 

• Filo-Centric Family: Children determine the policy of the family.  

• For example, children now take decisions regarding their own education.  

• Functional changes:  

• Childcare function: The childcare functions of the family have been shifted to external agencies like hospitals, maternity homes, nurseries, kindergartens etc.  
• Recreational function: The recreational functions of the family have been shared by external agencies like movies, hotels, clubs etc. 
• Religious functions: The religious practices have lost their traditional importance as family members have started questioning rituals and traditions followed in the family. 

Impact of changing family structure and function on society: 

• Changing authority: The authority of the patriarch of the joint family is diminishing as the new generation exposed to modern ideas shows resentment towards the traditional authorities.  

• For Example: The young members of the joint family challenge the decisions made by their elder patriarch, expressing their disagreement with traditional values. 

• Role of women: With increasing responsibilities, women are assuming the role of nuclear home head.  

• For Example: As career opportunities expand, women are taking on the role of primary decision-makers and providers in their nuclear families. 

• Dependents: With the breakdown of the joint family system, the aged, widow, widower, and other dependents in the family face severe problems.  

• For Example: After the joint family disperses, the elderly parents and widowed aunt struggle to cope with financial and emotional challenges on their own. 

• Individualism: The growing individualism questions the legitimacy of the age-old hierarchic authority and community solidarity.  

• For Example: The rise of individualistic values prompts individuals to question the authority structures and traditional community bonds that have long governed their society. 

• Lack of support: The lack of emotional support in the family leads the youth down the path of alcoholism and drug addiction.  

• For Example: Faced with emotional neglect within their families, some young individuals turn to alcohol and drugs as a means of escape and coping. 

The family is a fluid social institution and is in the process of constant change. Changes in the Indian family structures have resulted in a significant impact on the status and role of the family members. It had led to more independence and responsibility for women, while at the same time adversely impacting the support system for dependents and youth.