Page 81 - IJPS-11-2

International Journal of

Population Studies

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Indian family relationships, marriage, and

career choices in the context of globalization: A
multigenerational evaluation

1†
Damodaran Megha , Martin Thomas , Barani Kanth 1* ,
1†
Prakash Navaneetham 1 , and Mappilar Kunnummal Dilsha 1
Department of Applied Psychology, School of Physical, Chemical and Applied Sciences, Pondicherry
University, Pondicherry, Puducherry, India

Abstract
The present study aims to explore and compare changes in Indian family
relationships, marriage, and career choices from the perspectives of three different
generations. A total of 30 participants, 10 from each of the three generational groups
† These authors contributed equally participated in the study: 61 years and above (pre-globalization generation [Pre-
to this work.
G]), 40 – 60 years (transition generation [Trans-G]), and 18 – 30 years (contemporary
*Corresponding author: young generation [Cont-G]). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews
Barani Kanth
(baranikanth77@gmail.com) conducted in February and March 2023. Thematic analysis revealed several major
changes perceived by the participants, including the shift from joint families to
Citation: Megha, D., Thomas, M.,
Kanth, B., Navaneetham, P. & nuclear families, changes in filial piety, an increased sense of individual autonomy, a
Dilsha, M.K. (2025). Indian family more egalitarian nature of families, an increase in the number of working women, a
relationships, marriage, and decrease in the quality of family relationships, more authoritative parenting, positive
career choices in the context of
globalization: A multigenerational in-law relationships, changes in the nature of marriages, changes in the process of
evaluation. International Journal of mate section, and changes in decision-making about education and career. The
Population Studies, 11(2): 75-94. comparison of perspectives across the three generations showed distinct differences.
https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2404
The older generation was critical but showed a readiness to accept changes. The
Received: December 11, 2023 middle generations viewed the changes negatively and exhibited high resistance. In
1st revised: December 17, 2023 contrast, the younger generations viewed the changes as liberating and were willing
to embrace them. The implications for family policies and cross-cultural research are
2nd revised: February 12, 2024
discussed.
3rd revised: March 18, 2024
4th revised: May 7, 2024 Keywords: Globalization; Indian families; Parent-child relationship; Marriage; Career
Accepted: June 7, 2024 choices
Published online: August 8, 2024
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s).
This is an Open-Access article 1. Introduction
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution Globalization refers to several phenomena, including the emergence of a single global
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, marketplace with expanding free trade between countries, the movement and sharing
provided the original work is of information, and the creation of connections and human links worldwide without
properly cited. being restricted by national borders (Čiarnienė & Kumpikaitė, 2008). It has increased
Publisher’s Note: AccScience the interconnection and interdependence of nations and regions globally, facilitating
Publishing remains neutral with the spread of ideas and values across borders. Globalization has profoundly affected
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional many facets of modern society, such as politics, economics, technology, and culture.
affiliations. It has been notably influential in developing nations like India, prompting substantial

Volume 11 Issue 2 (2025) 75 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2404