Family values

By Rubab Abdullah, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka
28 April 2004, 18:00 PM
Joint family is considered to be one of our cultural heritage. But it is breaking down gradually because young couples now opt to live apart for different reasons. Though the tradition of joint family is the symbol of moral, physical and economic support, it is losing its appeal mainly because of differences in values, attitudes and abilities between mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws.

The issues of household rights, desires and gains between mother and daughter in laws cause the split of joint family. There are still many old fashioned women who have little tolerance. They measure their sons' wives against their standards and try to get them hurt by words if anything goes wrong. Similarly, some girls are self-centred and insolent, having the tendency of ignoring in-laws.

But it has to be admitted that today's girls are more educated and independent-minded than their mothers and grandmothers. The mothers should understand the situation and accept the fact that the world has changed and there are few takers of the values that they still nurture with great care.