ABSTRACT
Modernization is a value-neutral and a multi-dimensional concept. Modernization is a process of change from a traditional social order to certain types of modern technology, economy, polity and associated forms of social structure, norms, value orientations, motivations and behaviour patterns. This chapter is concerned with the examination of the patterns of urbanization and effects of urbanization on family and kinship. There is a common assumption that the effects of urbanization in developing nations follow the same or almost similar lines as in Western nations. With industrialization and urbanization the joint family in India is fast dis-integrating and the nuclear family is becoming the modal family in urban areas. The modern mass media like the radio, and centres of cultural activities such as literary and women's associations reflect the regional caste colour although they are formally secular and national in character. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
