The Family Barkhan
The joint family system is very common in the district, though in Barkhan town, the only actual urban area in the district, more an more people live in a nucleus family. The reasons for this are economic independence, education and government service (which brings with it living in relatively small government quarters which have usually no space to accommodate joint families). However cultural values restrain many people from adopting a nucleus family system. father is usually the head of the family. The men of the joint family have the responsibility to look after the family. Old parents and disabled members of the family are also looked after. The family is a form of social security in case of unemployment and financial crises and provides a strong social bond.