ABSTRACT
The second chapter presents the conceptual framework of the study. Each of the three areas of the study, have been looked at from a psychosocial lens. Besides the theoretical frameworks of religion, identity and family, the chapter also explores existing literature in order to situate religion in the psycho-social context of Indian society. The framework for understanding identity was built on the basis of theories that perceive it from the personal and developmental context and those that conceptualise it as a phenomenon rooted in the social context. Family was looked at in terms of its supportive and socializing roles. The ethnocentric approach to understanding parenting was also kept in mind. In addition, several research studies that explore the Indian family system and focus on building understanding on emerging family patterns, parenting styles, and interpersonal relationships within the family were also included.
