.png "Hindu Society Beliefs")
Hindu attitudes toward family life can exhibit a certain ambivalence. Some texts condemn it as "a deep dark well," where one can lose their sense of spiritual direction and become trapped in Maya (illusion). These texts are particularly favored by ascetic traditions. On the other hand, other scriptural passages glorify responsible family life, considering it as the backbone of varnashrama-dharma society. These two ideological poles are reconciled within the concept of the grihastha (household) ashram, which suggests that material resources can be utilized to cultivate spirituality and detachment. Additionally, many popular traditions assert that the spiritual merit achieved through renunciation (sannyasa) can also be attained by fulfilling household duties properly.
The fundamental unit of Hindu society is the joint or extended family, typically consisting of three or four generations living together. In such families, women collectively manage household chores, while the men contribute to the shared income. Important decisions are made by the elders, who provide guidance to the younger members based on their life experiences. In terms of property, it generally passes from father to son, and men hold significant decision-making authority, although older women also carry considerable influence.
When women get married, they usually join their husband's family, while maintaining connections with their own families. Hindu families display strong bonds of affection, which is noticeably different from many Western families. Hindu scriptures extensively define the dynamics of various relationships within families. For instance, a grandchild may playfully tease and joke with a grandparent in a familiar manner, which may not be permissible with their own parents. Different relatives are assigned specific terms of address, unlike the Western practice where terms like "aunt" or "uncle" encompass a wide range of relatives and family friends.
Traditionally, the extended family provides shelter and support for the elderly, disabled, and less privileged members. Children are expected to repay the debt owed to their parents by supporting them during their retirement and old age. Interdependence among family members is a crucial aspect of Hindu family life. Marriage, for instance, is considered a broad social and religious obligation rather than merely a relationship between two individuals. The extended family offers substantial practical and emotional support, particularly during childbirth. One advantage of this system is that marital stability is not excessively dependent on the emotional ties between the couple alone and can be sustained by the broader familial support network.