WHILE at home, despite the presence of family members, I often feel that technology and evolving values have pushed us psychologically far apart. This realisation has motivated me to reflect on and share my thoughts. `Changed family values` can be defined as a transition from traditional understandings of family structures, roles, or norms to newer paradigms. These shifts are often driven by sociocultural and economic factors.

Historically, families were the cornerstone of tribal and feudal societies, but contemporary trends, particularly social media, improved literacy, commercialism, and rights movements, have altered familial roles and relationships.

In today`s age of technological innovation and materialism, families face the challenge of transmitting core values to the next generation. Interestingly, within a single generation, rapid changes and innovations have reshaped family dynamics.

For instance, in traditional societies, marriage was a strong institution, but evolving realities have weakened its traditional foundations. Youth now challenge arranged marriages, hierarchical family structures, and collective decision-making, leading to changed expectations and obligations.

Take the example of how wives used to address their husbands. Avoiding direct use of their husband`s name was a gesture of respect. Today, many not only address their husbands by name but also use nicknames, signalling a shift where love and familiarity often override traditional notions of respect.

Changing values have also encouraged women to prioritise careers and personal development, resulting in delayed marriages. Increased access to education and professional opportunities have led to a rise in love marriages and a growing acceptance of divorce. Marriage, once seen as a union between two f amilies, is now increasingly perceived as a partnership between two individuals, reducing parental involvement.

Online platforms like Match.com have revolutionised matchmaking. These services connect individuals based on shared interests and preferences, bypassing the need for traditional face-to-face interactions.

Similarly, relationship counselling services have become more accessible, helping couples navigate challenges related to communication, parenting, and other familial issues.

Social media has further educated women about inheritance rights, often leading to conflicts within families. It has also facilitated divorce processes, making them less cumbersome. Although divorce remains a painful reality, the accessibility of online legal resources provides much-needed supporttothose navigatingthis process.Globalisation and the media have introduced values centred on individualism and personal freedom, often at odds with traditional family norms. Collective traditions are increasingly supplanted by personal ambitions and economic considerations.

Additionally, poverty and economic constraints strain relationships, weakening the joint family system, giving rise to nuclear families. Migration, whether for education or employment, further disrupts familial bonds, often leaving families emotionally and physically distant.

Urbanisation has compounded these issues. Extended family structures, which historically provided financial and emotional support, are rapidly shrinking.

The nuclear family model has limited collective responsibility, creating challenges in parenting and altering traditional family roles. The decline of religious adherence has also played a role in weakening family structures, as teachings that emphasise respect for elders and strong family ties lose influence.Pakistanis are transitioning from tribal to rural and rural to urban societies. Migration, driven by limited educational and economic opportunities, has spurred rapid urbanisation and the proliferation of slums. These demo-graphic shifts have eroded traditional family structures, with joint families increasingly replaced by nuclear ones.

Economic constraints compel both parents to work, leaving less time for family interactions. Materialism further undermines respect, loyalty, and emotional bonding. In an era of growing inflation, breadwinners struggle to support their families, often leaving dependents in villages. This separation leads to emotional strain and compromises in child upbringing. Uneducated, purdah-observing mothers find it particularly challenging to fulfil their obligations in such circumstances. Activities that once strengthened family bonds are now rare in urban life.

Whether we embrace it or not, time and values will inevitably change. The real challenge lies in striking a balance between preserving traditional values and adapting to healthy new norms. Achieving this balance is far from simple; it requires lifelong reflection and effort. • The wnter is author of Pakistan: I n Between Extremism and Peace.

X: @alibabakhel