Changes in Joint Family: Changes in joint family can be divided into structural and functional changes.

Chang es in the Structure of the Joint Family system:

1. Changes in the Size of the Joint family: The size of the joint family is decreasing. Joint family consists of people belonging to two or three generations, which may be comprised of 8 – 10 members.

2. Changes in Ownership of Property: The ownership of property of joint family has changed due to the implementation of The Hindu Inheritance and Succession Act 1956 and other legislative and legal facilities which provide equal property rights for women.

3. Changes in Authority: In the present day, the authority of head of the family or Kartha has changed. The patriarchal character of joint family is losing its importance.

4. Changes in the Status of Women: In the post-independent India, women have a very respectable position, if not entirely an equal position on par with men. This is a positive improvement in this regard.

5. Change in the selection of mates and Conjugal relationships: Earlier, elder members of the family used to select partners for their children without consulting them. But nowadays, both parents and children jointly make the selection of spouses.

6. Changes in the Relations of In-laws: In the recent times, the relationships among in laws in a joint family have undergone drastic changes.

7. Weakening of Family Norms: Due to the impact of ideas like liberty, egalitarianism, and democracy, the traditional norms and values of joint families have changed.

8. Increasing popularity of dependent Nuclear Family: Education, economic and employment opportunities have compelled young men and women to go out of the family to faraway places and settle in the places of their choice. But at times of difficulties and happy situations, these families seek support from the joint family and are ready to provide necessary assistance to the basic family.