SOCIOLOGY

CHANGING INDIAN
FAMILIES (SL251)
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By SHUBHAM KUMAR

(21 IAMP13)

“CHALLENGING HETRONORMATIVE FAMILIES”

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INTRODUCTION…

Heteronormative families are those that conform to traditional gender roles and expectations,
where a man and woman are assumed to be the parents, and their children are expected to grow
up to identify as heterosexual. While these families are considered the norm in many societies,
they can face challenges when it comes to issues such as parenting, relationships, and social
acceptance.

CHALLENGES…

One of the challenges faced by heteronormative families is the pressure to conform to traditional
gender roles. Parents may feel pressured to act in certain ways based on their gender, and
children may feel limited by societal expectations of what it means to be a boy or girl. This can
impact the way parents and children relate to each other and can make it difficult for family
members to express themselves authentically.

Another challenge faced by heteronormative families is the pressure to conform to societal

expectations of what a family should look like. This can lead to feelings of isolation and
marginalization for families that do not fit the traditional mold. For example, families with
same-sex parents or single-parent families may face discrimination and lack of acceptance in
their communities.

A third challenge faced by heteronormative families is the impact of heterosexism on family

members who do not identify as heterosexual. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and
self-doubt, and can make it difficult for family members to come out to each other or to their
communities. It can also create tension within families as some members may not accept or
support LGBTQ+ family members.

CONCLUSION…

There are many resources available to help heteronormative families navigate these challenges.
Counseling, support groups, and educational programs can provide parents and children with the
tools they need to communicate effectively, develop healthy relationships, and build supportive
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communities. It's important for families to recognize that there is no one "right" way to be a
family, and that diversity and acceptance are essential for creating healthy and happy families.

UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC BY REVIEWING A MOVIE…

This was all about the hetronormative families and the challenges faced by the families in the
society in general, but now I would like to draw your attention to this topic by reviewing a movie
named “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan '' .

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan is a Bollywood movie that explores the challenges faced by a
heteronormative family in dealing with the issue of erectile dysfunction. The movie centers
around Mudit, a young man who is about to get married to Sugandha, but discovers that he is
unable to perform sexually. This leads to a series of awkward and humorous situations as the
couple tries to navigate their way through the issue, while dealing with the expectations and
pressures of their families and society.

From a heteronormative family point of view, the movie highlights the societal pressures placed
on men to perform sexually, and the expectations placed on women to fulfill their role as wives
and mothers. The movie also explores the complexities of relationships within families, and how
communication and understanding are essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

One of the main themes of the movie is the pressure placed on men to perform sexually, and the
stigma attached to erectile dysfunction. Mudit is initially ashamed to discuss his issue with
Sugandha or his family, and tries to find a solution on his own. This leads to a lot of
misunderstandings and confusion, and puts a strain on his relationship with Sugandha. The movie
highlights the importance of open communication and the need to remove the stigma attached to
erectile dysfunction, and to recognize it as a medical condition that can be treated.
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The movie also explores the expectations placed on women to fulfill their role as wives and
mothers. Sugandha is initially hesitant to confront Mudit about his issue, as she fears it will
reflect poorly on her as a wife. This highlights the societal pressure placed on women to be the
perfect wife, and to maintain the image of a happy and successful marriage. However, as the
movie progresses, Sugandha becomes more assertive and takes an active role in helping Mudit
find a solution to his problem. This highlights the importance of mutual support and
understanding within a relationship, and the need to break free from traditional gender roles.

The movie also explores the complexities of relationships within families. Mudit's family is
initially hesitant to accept Sugandha, as they feel she is not good enough for their son. This
highlights the pressure placed on families to maintain their social status, and the reluctance to
accept someone who does not fit the traditional mold. However, as the movie progresses, Mudit's
family comes to accept and appreciate Sugandha for who she is, and realizes that true happiness
lies in accepting and supporting their loved ones, no matter what.

Overall, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan is a thought-provoking and humorous movie that explores the
challenges faced by heteronormative families in dealing with issues related to sex and
relationships. The movie highlights the importance of open communication, mutual support, and
understanding within relationships and families, and the need to break free from traditional
gender roles and societal expectations. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the
complexities of human relationships, and the challenges faced by families in navigating their way
through the complexities of modern life.
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Sources:

- Ryan, C., & Futterman, D. (1998). Lesbian and gay parenting: Theoretical and conceptual
issues. In Lesbian and Gay Psychology: New Perspectives, edited by Garnets, L. A., and
Kimmel, D. C. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

- Bos, H. M., & Sandfort, T. G. (2010). Children's gender identity in lesbian and heterosexual
two-parent families. Sex Roles, 62(1-2), 114-126.

- Goldberg, A. E., & Smith, J. Z. (2014). Stigma, social context, and mental health: Lesbian and
gay couples across the transition to adoptive parenthood. Journal of Marriage and Family, 76(2),
387-403.

- Williams, C. J., & Richardson, B. (2011). Parenting in context: Challenges of parenting LGBT
children. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 7(1-2), 9-28.