Ideological Beliefs About Family Practices: Contemporary Perspectives Among North Indian Families

Abstract

Ninety‐two dual‐wage and 103 single‐wage Indian families with a preschool‐age child residing in extended and nuclear households provided assessments regarding their beliefs about the division of household chores, financial responsibilities, childcare, and filial obligations. Analysis focused on possible differences in belief structures that may be attributed to the gender of the parent, family structural living arrangement, and maternal employment outside of the home. Husbands and wives did not differ in ideological beliefs on any of the components assessed, but differences did emerge as a function of family structural arrangements and whether or not the wife worked outside of the home. Data are discussed in terms of possible changes in ideological beliefs about family functions and practices and the broader socio‐cultural factors operating within Indian society.