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Contact : +91 7053938407

Article Abstract

International Journal of Advance Research in Multidisciplinary, 2026;4(1):272-279

The Generation Gap and Family Dynamics in Contemporary India: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence and Theoretical Perspectives

Author : Preeti Singh and Dr. Ashok Yadav

Abstract

The generation gap - that noticeable difference in values, attitudes, behaviors, and social expectations between people from different generations - has become one of the most important social issues in modern India. The rapid changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization, educational growth, economic liberalization, and the digital revolution have led to a significant level of divergence among generations within Indian families. This shift has had real impacts on the well-being of family members across all age groups and on the family unit itself as a social structure. Even though there's a growing awareness of the generation gap as a serious social concern, the current research on the topic is still quite scattered across different fields, mostly focused on urban areas, and lacks a solid theoretical foundation. This article aims to provide a thorough review of the existing theories and research on the generation gap and family dynamics in India, organized into five key areas: the structural changes in Indian families; intergenerational relationships, conflicts, and communication; the role of technology and social media in creating a digital generation gap; the socio-economic factors driving intergenerational differences; and the responsibilities of caring for the elderly. The review highlights the main theoretical frameworks, summarizes key research findings, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of current studies, and suggests a comprehensive plan for future research. It concludes that the generation gap in India is a complex, socially influenced, and context-dependent issue that requires interdisciplinary, regionally focused, and methodologically varied scholarly attention to fully grasp its social importance and effectively tackle it.

Keywords

Generation Gap, Indian Family, Social Change, Intergenerational Relationships, social media, Elderly Care, Joint Family, Nuclear Family, Urbanization, India