Understanding the Complexity of an Eastern Family Network

Abstract

Family networks have been studied by sociologists in the past and several models have been proposed. We attempt to capture the crux of eastern families systems that appears to be a fairly complex structure compared to what one finds in western families. It is important to note that by eastern systems we mean those from the South-Asian subcontinent that comprises of almost one-sixth of the world’s population. The main motivation behind this work is the emergence of the field, the so-called ‘complex networks’. One is interested in finding out whether the basic principles and the locality of rules that result in similar patterns could also help in understanding how this network helps in strengthening of ties among individuals in the society.