SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN PAKISTAN

SOCIAL INSTITUTION:
A social institution consists of a group of people who have come together for a common purpose. These
institutions are a part of the social order of society and they govern behavior and expectations of individuals.

FAMILY AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION:

The family is generally regarded as a major social institution and a locus of much of a person's social activity. It is
a social unit created by blood, marriage, or adoption, and can be described as nuclear (parents and children) or
extended (encompassing other relatives).

ROLE OF FAMILY IN PAKISTAN

In Pakistan, ‘family first’ is a very important concept. Our culture revolves around having big families and living in
harmony together. It is common for in our culture to take care of family members unlike in the western cultures
where everyone is left to fend for themselves. This tight-knit family culture allows the in-need family members to
not feel so abandoned.
This family-oriented way of living life makes sure that everyone receives love and affection from someplace.
Although true, it might sound like a disaster for some folks, but for the majority, it is a harmonious way of living
life. This is one of the best things in Pakistani family culture.
Joint Family System:
In a Joint Family System all your cousins live with you. It isn’t all sunshine and rainbow, but it is not all doom and
gloom as well. It might be good for some people and it might be bad for some.
Father is the sole earner:
This is the norm of the 60s and 70s that, for us, has carried on in the 21st century. Although it does serve the
male ego well, it is also quite stressful. It becomes quite daunting and scary for the father if he cannot provide for
his family. They also have the responsibility to feed their family with Halal earning.  The Holy Quran directs
believers to
“…Ward off from yourselves and your families a fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stone….” (66:6).
Mother as the caretaker of the house:
Mothers are charged with the responsibility of taking care of the children, cooking and also cleaning the house.
Pakistani family culture revolves around the father providing financially and the mother providing emotionally.
Mothers are held responsible for grooming the children and making them well-mannered.
Cousin Marriages:
In Pakistani culture, cousin marriages are very common in some families. Up to some extent they are good for
family bonding but in long run they are not beneficial.