Shodh Prabha: A Multidisciplinary Journal

Between Tradition and Transition: Globalisation and the Reconfiguration of Family Structures in the Transitional Neighbourhoods of Lucknow

The rapid globalisation and urbanisation in India has had a catastrophic effect on social institutions; especially the family. It discusses the transition in familial structures within transitional neighbourhoods of Lucknow, a tier-II city of India that typifies urban transfiguration while being rooted to some cultural traditions. Mixed methods design: The mixed methods research approach which the author used involved analysing imaginary survey data from 100 households to supplement qualitative data and seeks to demonstrate change in household structure and gender relations, the decision-making process, living arrangements among older persons and attitudes towards globalisation. He observed the predominance of nuclear families but also pointed out extended family arrangements. And that points to change which is adaptive in nature rather than disruptive. The rate of female employment increases and dual-income families emerge, which is observed in more participatory decision-making within the family. Yet still, patriarchy seemed to survive in some instances. Culturally, the elderly still form part of the family unit and do not live independently (a sign of cultural continuity), despite some independent living arrangements being escord. Most respondents had a positive or rather positive perception of globalisation, which illustrated falling awareness in front of a wider set of opportunities but also highlighted the weakening European bonds.