In a significant development for sociological research in India, a professor from Lucknow University has been awarded a substantial grant to investigate the evolving nature of family life among the youngest generation. The study aims to provide crucial insights into the shifting social fabric of the nation's urban centers.
Major Grant for Groundbreaking Research
Professor Jai Shankar Prasad Pandey from the Department of Sociology at Lucknow University (LU) is the recipient of a prestigious research project grant. The funding, amounting to Rs 30 lakh, has been sanctioned by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). This grant will fuel an extensive study titled ‘Gen Z and Changing Family Relations: A Sociological Study of Four Indian Metropolitan Cities.’
Unpacking the Study's Core Objectives
The research project is poised to delve deep into how Generation Z—individuals born in the late 1990s and early 2000s—is actively reshaping traditional family structures, values, and interpersonal relationships. The focus will be exclusively on the complex dynamics within four major Indian metropolitan cities, offering a comparative urban perspective.
Professor Pandey will lead the initiative as the Project Director. He will be supported by a team of co-investigators, including Sushma Mishra and Aditya Mohanty, who will contribute their expertise to the expansive study. The project promises to systematically examine the forces of modernity, technology, and new social norms that influence Gen Z's interactions within the family unit.
Significance and Expected Outcomes
This research holds considerable importance for policymakers, educators, and families alike. By mapping the changing contours of family relations, the study will generate valuable data on:
- The reinterpretation of traditional family roles and responsibilities.
- The impact of digital connectivity and social media on familial bonds.
- Evolving values concerning marriage, career, and intergenerational living.
- The new challenges and support systems within urban family setups.
The findings from this ICSSR-backed study are expected to shed light on the future trajectory of Indian society. It will offer an evidence-based understanding of the demographic that is set to define the country's social and economic landscape in the coming decades. The grant not only underscores the relevance of sociological inquiry but also highlights Lucknow University's active role in addressing contemporary national issues.
