Joint family vs nuclear family: which one would you opt for?

With saas bahu serials holding the nation captivated, we decided to quiz youngsters as to whether they would opt for a joint family or a nuclear family. Does a nuclear family mean better relations with your relatives or will a joint family help inculcate traditional values among the youth? Here’s what they had to say…

FOR

Avneet Kaurhanspal

I stay in a joint family and I know exactly how it works.

1) Lack of privacy. No matter how close you are to your family there is a space that you always need for yourself.
2) There is constant comparison with other kids in the house which is not very healthy.
3) The argument that there is help when one is ill does not make sense because you can go to doctor yourself.
4) The fights lead to friction between one family and the other.
5) You have to explain things to everyone in the family.

AGAINST

Abhin Semlani
“You can share your fun with cousins.”

Rinky Dwivedi
“There is unity, support and emotional security in a joint family.”

Bhavika Lodha
“There is healthy competition between kids .”

Yashesh Rupani
“In times of need members lend a helping hand which cements your relationship.”

Kalpesh Chajad
“You won’t acquire bad habits like smoking as the chances of not finding out about your bad habits are slim.”

Avneet was pitted against all her friends who opted for the joint family set-up, even those who weren’t staying in one.

Vox Pop

Priyanka Bafna, 16.student
“Nuclear families don’t better your relationship with relatives. You lose touch with them.”

Sneha Gupta, 16, student
“I prefer a joint family but you can maintain better re-lations with your relatives if you stay away from them. ”

DVV Prasad, 43, Regional sales manager
“There will be differences of opinion in a joint family. People might not get along with each other.”

Kiran Chaturvedi, 37, consumer research director
“The ties will fade if you are in a nuclear family.”