In India, two family systems are seen quite often. The family system could be nuclear, in which there is only one family living together. This system is very common in big city across India. However, in the business family, small cities and villages, joint family system is quite common. In Joint family, many family or generations live under the same roof.

Joint family is usually headed by the oldest male member of the joint family. He is responsible to make financial or social decision on the behalf of entire joint family. Usually, he consults the decision with his family members but the final decision comes to him. The oldest female, which is usually head’s wife, take the responsibility relating to kitchen, daily religious practices and other responsibilities related to the female members of the entire family. She may influence the head’s decision when the matter is related to the family members.

The dining is usually communal and all set together to eat. The worship is also common.

The joint family system also promotes the care and development of new born. Because of many generation living together, new born are able to get required early care even if their parents are busy. For the younger or adult member of the family, the joint family rules could seems too restrictive to take their personal decision. This is major reason, that today’s younger generation in the big cities is adopting nuclear family system. If the decision of any member will affect the entire family, it has to be approved or consulted in the family and later approved by the head. Decisions are done to promote the well being of family’s member and family values.

The Indian banking, taxing and legal system also recognizes the joint family. The female members of family are given the right of share to the property as per Indian legal system. In the business partnership, the head of the family or an adult family member in his/her personal capacity can authorize all official matters of the business. The joint family system includes the common account for family, and all financial matter is to be handled jointly. All property is also held jointly. The joint family system allows a sense of social and financial security in the Indian family. Members have to control on the expenses and all major financial project or planned expenses has to be approved by the head of the joint family. The Indian Income tax act allows a joint family to file taxes on the family’s financial revenue.