Volume VI Special Issue VI September 2026

Name of Author : Dr R. Janatha Kumari, Dr S. Sreelatha

Title of the paper : Parental Bonding among Irular Tribal Adolescents: A Socio Cultural Perspective

Abstract: Parental bonding constitutes a significant aspect of child development and socialisation across cultures. Among Indigenous communities, parental bonding is deeply embedded within cultural traditions, kinship structures, collective responsibility, and community based child rearing practices. The Irulars, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups PVTGs of Tamil Nadu, possess a rich cultural heritage shaped by close interaction with nature, traditional knowledge systems, and strong familial networks. Despite growing scholarly interest in tribal education, health, and livelihoods, limited attention has been devoted to understanding parent child relationships within the Irular community. This paper reviews parental bonding among Irular tribal adolescents from socio cultural and developmental perspectives. Drawing on literature related to Indigenous parenting, tribal family structures, and adolescent development, the paper examines the role of family relationships in transmitting cultural values, social norms, and community identity. The review argues that parental bonding among the Irulars cannot be understood solely through conventional parenting frameworks but must be situated within the broader context of Indigenous knowledge systems, collective caregiving, and socio economic transformation. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for culturally grounded research that recognises the strengths of tribal family systems and their contribution to adolescent development.

Keywords : Parental Bonding, Irular Tribe, Indigenous Parenting, Tribal Adolescents, Family Relationships

DOI :

Page Number : 114-119