Social Structure and Changes of the Family in Rural Punjab: A Case Study of Faisalabad Division

Abstract

This study examines the evolving social structure of the family in rural Punjab, Pakistan, using Faisalabad Division as a case study. Historically characterized by patriarchal authority, joint-family systems, and agrarian economic dependence, the rural family unit is undergoing profound transformations driven by urbanization, migration, education, and technological penetration. Employing a mixed-methods approach including survey data, ethnographic interviews, and secondary analysis this research investigates the shifting dynamics of authority, gender roles, marriage patterns, and economic functions within the familial context. The findings indicate a complex transition from traditional joint-family structures toward more nuclear or modified extended family models, accompanied by evolving aspirations, increased female agency, and renegotiated intergenerational contracts. This article argues that while structural changes are evident, they are mediated and shaped by persistent cultural norms, resulting in a distinct hybrid family model unique to the rural Punjabi sociocultural landscape.