Page 87 - IJPS-11-2

International Journal of
Population Studies Multigenerational evaluation of globalization

accessible only to the researchers and utilized exclusively members of Cont-G agree that they are less obedient to
for research purposes. their parents. Both Pre-G and Trans-G expressed concerns
that elderly parents were not receiving sufficient attention
3. Results or care from other family members. These changes were

The present study aims to explore and compare different attributed by the older generation to a general lack of
changes in Indian family relationships, marriage, and respect and decreasing family values among the younger
career choices from the perspectives of three different generation. However, Cont-G defended that they still
generations. Thematic analysis was conducted, and the respect and love their elders. They argued that, in contrast
results were organized into themes, sub-themes, and to earlier times, their way of expressing their respect has
codes (Appendix A2). Each theme is explained with its changed. Trans-G also acknowledges the change in how
operational definition and illustrative quotations from their children are showing respect to them. Some of the
the data in the result section. Verbatim responses from verbatims from the three generations are:
participants are labeled with unique IDs, age, and gender, “The new generation generally lacks respect. In the
where “M” represents male and “F” represents female. In past, children were not allowed to sit in front of their
addition, a comparative analysis of the perspectives of the parents. Nowadays, it is not like that”. (ID_05/66/M).
three generations is provided (Table 2).
“Compared to the past generations, the obedience of
3.1. Shift from joint to nuclear family today’s children has decreased.” (ID_25/23/M)
This theme captures the transition of families from big “After parents reach the age of 85-90, they are mostly
joint family units to nuclear ones. All three generations viewed as a burden by rest of the family.” (ID_06/64/M)
agree that fewer children have been raised in families over “Many changes have happened in the way children
the last few decades. Participants reported that reasons for show their respect to parents. In past generations,
this change could include better family planning, attractive there was more fear in the respect. Now, things are
white-collar jobs that offer more financial stability in a peaceful state. Maybe the children have no fear
compared to farming, and the perceived lack of resources whatsoever.” (ID_14/52/M)
in joint family living conditions. The evaluations of the
three different generations on the decrease in the number 3.3. Sense of individuality
of children vary: the Cont-G and the Trans-G attribute this This theme highlights how individuals are becoming more
change to improved family planning, whereas the Pre-G comfortable fulfilling their needs and preferences. It also
views it negatively, believing that new parents are “busy” shows that individuals are less resistant to breaking away
and too lazy to care for more children. Some illustrative from traditional ways of life when they develop a different
verbatims are as follows:
view of things. All three generations concur that unlike
“In earlier times, there were many children in in the past when people would repress or sacrifice their
households. Nowadays, most of them do thorough desires for the family, people now gradually value their
family planning. People decide the number of children own preferences and choices. They also reported that
based on their financial and social situation. Earlier, people are becoming more independent and developing
there was no such planning.” (ID_15/46/M) a sense of autonomy, even within families, leading to
“Lifestyle changes have led to more nuclear families. In more separation and divorces. Even though Cont-G
earlier times, family members lived together and did wholeheartedly embraced these changes, both Pre-G and
farming together. For that, a joint family was better. Trans-G view these changes in a negative light. Cont-G
However, since those times are past us, nuclear families reported that they understand the importance of having
seem like a better option nowadays, although there is independent identities and more autonomy in one’s
nothing wrong with staying joint either.” (ID_13/48/M) life. They also addressed how the younger generation is
growing less religious and does not see the necessity to
3.2. Filial piety uphold the religious beliefs and practices of their parents.
Some verbatims are:
Filial piety is the cultural value and responsibility to treat one’s
parents with respect. This theme illustrates how the practice “In most families, members are becoming more
of filial piety has changed across multiple generations. The independent. Everyone has their own opinions.”
interviews captured different aspects of filial piety. (ID_10/67/F)
The older generations repeatedly claim that children of “Earlier, our families used to be more collectivistic
Cont-G have lost respect for elders in general. Even some in nature. In decision-making, multiple patriarchs

Volume 11 Issue 2 (2025) 81 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2404