Changing Patterns of Familial Structure and Climate Change-

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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