Does Modernization Drive Change in the Family Institution? Urbanization's Impact on Evolving Social Structure: A Quantitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v5i4.661Keywords:
Modernization, Urbanization, Family Institution, Pakhtun Social Structure, Quantitative StudyAbstract
In the context of modernization, especially with reference to urbanization, the family institution is transforming from traditional joint to nuclear structures through the reshaping of multifaceted aspects of the family institution. This quantitative study examines whether modernization, particularly through urbanization, drives changes in the family institution within Pakhtun social structures in District Swat. The data from 250 respondents were collected via a questionnaire. The data analysis was carried out via SPSS, including univariate frequency distributions, agreement indices (AI), descriptive statistics, bivariate chi-square tests, multivariate controls, and Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.715–0.86) for reliability. Findings reveal that 67.2% of respondents reside rurally, yet modernization impacts are evident: 82.8% agree nuclear families outperform joint ones (AI = 1.148); family sizes are declining (72.4% agree, AI = 0.912); women's decision-making empowerment is rising (74.4% agree, AI = 0.86); and individualism/materialism is growing (85.2% agree, AI = 1.264). Bivariate analysis shows significant positive associations between urbanization indicators and high institutional shifts (χ² = 29.847–37.267, p < .001; Gamma = 0.263–0.411). Multivariate controls for family type confirm stronger effects in nuclear families (χ² = 17.271, p < .001) than in joint families (χ² = 28.635, p < .001), with overall AI = 0.89, affirming modernization's influence. Results support modernization theory, highlighting urbanization's role in evolving family norms amid cultural resilience.
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