Climatiac change and Familial structure

Changing Patterns of Familial Structure and Climate Change- An Observation
By

Dr. Alok Chantia* & Dr. Preeti Misra**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri J.N.P.G. College, Lucknow; E-Mail: alokchantia@rediffmail.com
** Lecturer, Dept of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; E-Mail misra9us@gmail.com

Abstract:
Keywords: culture, technology, family system, climate change

In the process of evolution culture is an adopted alternative by the human being for his smooth survival. But this also led to conflict between nature and Man. The Man is always in search of better avenues and modern day technological advancements have opened new vistas and have fulfilled many of his dreams. Globalisation and technological developments have caused havoc to the environment in the form of climate change and global warming. Though many scientists have studied and discussed climatic changes in reference to emission of CO2, SO2, NO2 but we have not made any study how cultural changes are adversely affecting our environment. The institutions of marriage and family are an integral part of our culture.
India has a specific culture of its own. Here familial relations have great value. The joint family system has been a queer characteristic of Indian culture. But the process of modernization, urbanization, westernization and sanskritisation have done a great harm to this system. Today’s growing nuclear family culture has more or less replaced our culture of joint family system. This cultural change in our familial structure have also adversely affected our environment. Today every one wants to have his/her own house. We all know that manufacturing of each house requires bricks, cement and steel etc. the manufacturing of which increases CO2 SO2 etc in the environment.
The present paper makes an in depth analysis of impact of changing familial structure on environment in India. It studies factors responsible for changes in familial structure in Indian culture and whether our culture can play any role in protecting the environment.
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