Test Your Knowledge: 20 MCQs on Family, Gender, and Changing Indian Family Structures
Test your knowledge of family and gender in sociology with 20 MCQs covering nuclear, matrilineal, patrilineal, matriarchal, patriarchal families, and changes in Indian family structures. Includes answers and explanations.
1. What is a nuclear family?
A) A family consisting of only parents and their children
B) A family including extended relatives
C) A family where grandparents play a central role
D) A family where multiple generations live together
Answer: A
Explanation: A nuclear family consists of parents and their dependent children, without extended relatives living together.
2. In which type of family do women have authority and control over family decisions?
A) Patriarchal family
B) Matriarchal family
C) Patrilineal family
D) Joint family
Answer: B
Explanation: A matriarchal family is one where the mother or eldest female holds authority over family decisions.
3. A patrilineal family traces lineage through which side?
A) Mother’s side
B) Father’s side
C) Both parents equally
D) Grandparents
Answer: B
Explanation: In a patrilineal family, descent and inheritance are traced through the father’s lineage.
4. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a patriarchal family?
A) Women inherit property equally
B) Men hold authority and decision-making power
C) Children inherit their mother’s surname
D) Family roles are based on equal gender contribution
Answer: B
Explanation: A patriarchal family structure places authority in the hands of the male members, particularly the father or eldest male.
5. What type of family structure is common in Kerala’s traditional society?
A) Patrilineal
B) Matrilineal
C) Patriarchal
D) Nuclear
Answer: B
Explanation: Kerala, especially among some communities like the Nairs, historically followed a matrilineal system where inheritance was through the mother’s side.
6. In a joint family system, who typically holds the highest authority?
A) The youngest member
B) The eldest male or head of the family
C) The eldest female
D) Each family member equally
Answer: B
Explanation: In a joint family, the eldest male (usually the grandfather or father) traditionally holds decision-making power.
7. A society where property and family name are passed through the mother’s lineage is called:
A) Matriarchal
B) Matrilineal
C) Patriarchal
D) Patrilineal
Answer: B
Explanation: Matrilineal societies trace lineage and inheritance through the mother’s family.
8. Which type of family system is becoming more common in urban India?
A) Joint family
B) Extended family
C) Nuclear family
D) Matriarchal family
Answer: C
Explanation: Urbanization and economic factors have contributed to the rise of nuclear families in India, replacing traditional joint family systems.
9. What is the main reason for the decline of the joint family system in India?
A) Increase in agricultural dependence
B) Urbanization and economic changes
C) Stronger patriarchal norms
D) Decrease in population
Answer: B
Explanation: Urbanization, job mobility, and economic independence have led to a decline in joint families, favoring nuclear family setups.
10. In a patrilocal residence system, a newly married couple lives with or near:
A) The wife’s family
B) The husband’s family
C) Neither family, they live independently
D) The wife's maternal uncle
Answer: B
Explanation: In a patrilocal residence system, a wife moves into her husband’s family home after marriage.
11. Which type of family allows multiple generations to live together under one roof?
A) Nuclear family
B) Joint family
C) Patriarchal family
D) Matrilineal family
Answer: B
Explanation: A joint family includes multiple generations, often grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and children living together.
12. The Hindu Succession Act of 2005 gave women equal rights in:
A) Marriage laws
B) Voting rights
C) Property inheritance
D) Divorce proceedings
Answer: C
Explanation: The Hindu Succession Act (2005 amendment) granted daughters equal rights in property inheritance, previously dominated by male heirs.
13. What is the primary difference between matrilocal and patrilocal residence?
A) Matrilocal means living with the husband’s family, patrilocal means living with the wife’s family
B) Matrilocal means living with the wife’s family, patrilocal means living with the husband’s family
C) Matrilocal is common in all societies, patrilocal is rare
D) Matrilocal and patrilocal mean the same thing
Answer: B
Explanation: In matrilocal residence, the couple lives with or near the wife’s family, whereas in patrilocal residence, they live with the husband’s family.
14. Which of the following is NOT a reason for changes in Indian family structures?
A) Industrialization
B) Western influence
C) Increase in rural migration
D) Higher female education levels
Answer: C
Explanation: Rural-to-urban migration is common, but it supports nuclear family setups. Industrialization, Western influences, and women’s education have significantly changed family structures.
15. In a matrilineal society, children inherit property from:
A) Their father
B) Their mother
C) Both parents equally
D) The state
Answer: B
Explanation: In a matrilineal society, property and lineage pass through the mother’s side.
16. Which region in India has a history of matrilineal families?
A) Rajasthan
B) Punjab
C) Meghalaya
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: C
Explanation: Meghalaya, especially among the Khasi community, follows a matrilineal system where inheritance passes through the mother.
17. What is the primary function of a family?
A) To enforce political rules
B) To provide economic support, socialization, and emotional care
C) To promote government policies
D) To discourage community living
Answer: B
Explanation: Families play a crucial role in socializing children, providing emotional support, and ensuring economic stability.
18. In which type of family system do women have little to no decision-making power?
A) Matriarchal
B) Nuclear
C) Patriarchal
D) Matrilineal
Answer: C
Explanation: In patriarchal families, men hold the dominant power in decision-making, often limiting women’s authority.
19. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a changing Indian family structure?
A) More extended families
B) Increased number of joint families
C) Rise of nuclear families due to urbanization
D) Decline in industrialization
Answer: C
Explanation: Due to urbanization and modernization, nuclear families are replacing joint families in India.
20. What is the main reason for increasing gender equality in Indian families?
A) Traditional values
B) Economic dependency of women
C) Legal reforms and women’s education
D) Strict family structures
Answer: C
Explanation: Legal reforms like equal property rights and increased female education have contributed to greater gender equality in Indian families.
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