A joint family is a type of family structure where multiple generations live together in the same household. It typically consists of parents, their married sons, unmarried daughters, and grandchildren, all residing under the same roof and sharing common resources. In some cases, the family may also include other close relatives such as uncles, aunts, and cousins.
In a joint family, the members are usually closely related and have strong bonds with each other. They often share responsibilities, resources, and decision-making. The patriarch or matriarch of the family, typically the eldest member, holds a significant role in guiding and managing the affairs of the household.
Joint families have been common in many cultures, particularly in traditional societies. However, with urbanization and modernization, the prevalence of joint families has decreased in some parts of the world, giving way to nuclear families where only parents and their children live together. Nonetheless, joint family structures are still prevalent in various regions and are valued for fostering strong family ties and mutual support among members.