Abstract
This paper discusses the importance and the set up of the family unit in Pakistan. It discusses the role of the biradari within the family and looks at the way that marriages are arranged and celebrated. It then considers the importance of sons within the family unit and describes the treatment of women in Pakistani families in the past and during the present times.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
The Role of Families in Pakistan
Marriage in Pakistan
Treatment of Women in Pakistan

From the Paper
"The role of the family is important in Pakistan because it is the basic organization in Pakistan. Families often consist of grandparents, parents, siblings, and other relatives who all live in one house with the focus on the male kin or biradari (Pakistan Tradition Kinship 2006). The importance of the family life is seen in how the biradari celebrate different life events including births, deaths, and major holidays. The importance of the biradari cannot be understated because it offers poor family members loans and even provides a dowry for poorer families (Pakistan Traditional Kinship 2006). When parents cannot provide for the family, often the biradari steps in to help different parts of the family. In Pakistan, the elderly are respected and children are considered gifts from God (Family Life 2006). This is especially true of male children. Sons are considered important because they will provide for their mothers, while females are considered a liability and their innocence must be protected (Pakistan Traditional Kinship 2006). When studying the country of Pakistan, it is important to consider the role of marriage and its value to the people."

Tags:biradari, kinship, purdah, dowry