DefinePK

Abstract

The current work concerns a critical analysis of the recent tensions and conflictsrelated to family, parenting practices, kids’ nurturing and regulation of family affairs inthe capital city of Pakistan. The current work concerns a critical analysis of the recenttensions and conflicts related to family, parenting practices, kids’ nurturing andregulation of family affairs in the capital city of Pakistan. With a qualitativemethodological approach, a small purposive sample (n=17) of new middle classfamilies whose’ rising income has led to an upward social mobility was interviewed.The interview data was transcribed from the vernacular into English and utilized foranalysis with an interpretive approach. The new consolidated middle classes inPakistan are the product of neoliberal globalization, new economic opportunities in theservices sector, agribusinesses and remittances from abroad. Additionally, access to thenew social media, online shopping facilities, private schooling, and access to privatetransportation have given birth to several social tensions and parenting practices. Thispaper focused to explore some of the social tensions and conflicts that have emergeddue to breaking down of the traditional family systems and values, and a turbulenttransition towards new urban lifestyle and parenting practices.