Volume : 11, Issue : 1, JAN 2025

FAMILY STRUCTURE AND GENERATIONAL CONFLICT AMONG INDIAN YOUTH

SRADHA KUMARI

Abstract

Background: Socio-economic modernization in India has resulted in a social context where the persistence of the old family values and the appearance of new outlooks of individualism often co-exist in conflict. Generation conflict between young people aged 18 to 30 and diversity, aged family members have emerged as a significant psychosocial problem in influencing mental health, educational achievement, and social peace. Nevertheless, there has been limited systematic empirical research on the cultural and structural reasons of such conflict.

Objectives: This paper aims at examining (1) the incidence and key areas of conflict between generations among the Indian youth in various family configurations; (2) socio-demographic and cultural factors that predict levels of conflict; (3) strategies of coping in youths; and (4) how the generational conflict is correlated with the mental health outcomes of youths.

Methods: The stratified random sample of 500 youth was used in the cross-sectional survey chosen in six Indian states with different socio-cultural backgrounds. Instruments used were standardized measures of conflict, collectivism, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Multiple regression and one-way ANOVA techniques were used to analyse data.

Results: Approximately 78.4% of the respondents had a generational conflict. Those involved in joint-family exhibited much more conflict especially when it came to marriage, career choice and gender roles. The intensity of conflict was significantly associated with anxiety, depression, stress, decreased life satisfaction, and decreased academic performance.

Conclusions: Approximately, 78.4 percent of the respondents had a generational conflict. Reported conflict levels were much better among joint-family participants with the greatest differences occurring on issues of marriage, career decision, and gender roles. Intensity of conflict had close relationships with anxiety, depression, stress, less satisfaction in life and decreased academic performance. One of the important stressors of the Indian youth is generational conflict. Culture, family structure, and education play a big role in contributing to the level of conflict hence the introduction of culture-sensitive interventions that foster intergenerational communication.

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IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

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