The advantages of a joint family are more than one can count.

It is the best pattern of living that is most conducive to the growth.

It is based on a principle of equitable economy. It holds it as a rule of creation that all men
are not equal. Naturally it imposes a kind of unwritten discipline that those who are more able
economically shall share some of the burden of those who are not.

The joint mess, naturally, runs on an understanding of mutual adjustment. Naturally those
who are benefitted by the generosity of others remain obliged and grateful.

Similarly in a big joint family the study groups of boys are formed according to their age
matching. Naturally the cousins study together, play together, quarrel together and are even
punished together. As a result there grows in them a feeling of camaraderie that is free from
any discrimination of one being a full brother or a cousin.

In marriages also the grooms for marriageable girls become a concern for all the elders in
the family. Even if a daughter of a junior brother is selected by someone because of her beauty
or brilliance, he would not agree to her marriage until her senior cousin sister is married.

The basic necessities of all the family members are taken care of. Each member is
guaranteed the minimum subsistence for living.

It supports all the members of the family. Old and elderly people are respected. Proper care
is taken for old, widowed, physically weak and disabled family members.

As such the disciplines in a joint family are self-imposed on its members. The head of the big
family becomes virtually its patriarch and the family prospers squarely if the patriarch and the
other constituents observe the norms soundly and healthily.

Finally, the spirit of oneness prevails in a Joint family system.

Disadvantages of Joint Family

But it has disadvantages too.

It often creates parasites who love to feed on others income. They exploit the goodness and
principled behaviour of its partners.

Sometimes some crooked member of the family plot to torture and exploit another innocent
member of the family.

High earning members often insults the low earning members.

The cost of education has gone up high. The high earning members often want their children
to study in costly schools but they dont want to share the burden of the children of the other
members of the family.

In large families, most of important decisions are made by the head of the family. Since, all
the individuals within the family doesnt get the opportunity to participate in major decisions of
the family, they often feel lost or develop a feeling of inferiority complex.

The separation of families was evident in the joint families themselves. It happens when feelings of
generosity, charity, and fellow-feeling are not balanced by strong moral line, character and
farsightedness.
Also Read:
1. What is a Family?