Social Change and Development: Connecting Modernization and Family Institution on Qualitative Grounds

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The qualitative study has been designed with the primary objective to find the impact of and link between modernization and the changing facets of the family institution. The study also focused on exploring the various dimensions of modernization responsible for bringing change in the family institution.
 Methodology: The data was collected from the different nature of potential participants from all seven tehsils of district Swat, Pakistan. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussion (FDG) were incorporated as research instruments, whereas an interview guide was used under IDIs and FGDs. The collected data were processed under the frame of qualitative research approach wherein after transcribing, and coding of the data themes was identified.
 Main Findings: The thematic analysis of family structure, patriarchy, decision making in the family, and ways of communication exposed that due to modernization, the family institution is under continuous change. 
 Applications of this study: The research results can be applied to such studies that focus on changes in family institutions, communities with similar socio-cultural characteristics.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: The unique feature of this study is that such kinds of topics have been very rarely investigated in the context of Pakistani society and especially in Pakhtun culture.