Change in relationship, economic independence, small family, marriage settled by partners is an features of?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Applied Sociology

Medium

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Explanation

The question lists key sociological shifts in family structure.
A modern family is characterized by a move towards egalitarian relationships, where partners have equal rights, contrasting with traditional patriarchal systems.
Economic independence, particularly for women, is a hallmark of modern families, often leading to dual-income households.
Marriage based on individual choice ('settled by partners') and a smaller, nuclear family size are defining features that distinguish modern families from traditional or joint families.

Option A: A 'single family' is not a standard sociological classification. It likely refers to a single-parent family, which is a type of family structure but not the overarching concept described by all the features in the question.
Option B: A joint family has the opposite characteristics: it is large (extended), marriage is typically arranged by elders, and it functions as a single economic unit, often with a patriarchal head.
Option C: A traditional family is a broad term that encompasses the joint family system. Its features include patriarchal authority, arranged marriages, and economic dependence, which are contrary to the features listed in the question.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Characteristics of a Modern Family as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding a patient's family type is crucial for nurses to assess their social support system. A patient from a modern family may have a smaller immediate support network.
In modern families, health-related decisions are often made jointly by the partners. Nurses should involve both partners in patient education and discharge planning.
What if the patient belongs to a joint family? The nurse would need to identify the primary decision-maker, who may not be the patient or their spouse, to ensure effective communication and consent for care.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question into its key descriptive phrases: 'change in relationship,' 'economic independence,' 'small family,' and 'marriage settled by partners.'
Analyze each phrase. 'Small family' points towards a nuclear structure. 'Economic independence' and 'marriage settled by partners' suggest a departure from traditional norms.
Evaluate each option against these characteristics.
Recognize that 'Joint family' and 'Traditional family' represent older models with features opposite to those described.
'Single family' is too specific and not a standard comparative term in this context.
Conclude that 'Modern family' is the term that collectively describes all the listed features of a changing family structure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Characteristics of a Modern Family
Stem keywords: Change in relationship, economic independence, small family, marriage settled by partners
Lead-in keywords: features of
Negative lead-in flag: false