Types of Family in Community

Study Notes

Family Definitions and Types

A nuclear family consists of two parents (father and mother) and their biological or adopted children living together.
A cohabiting family is a family formed by an unmarried couple living together in a long-term romantic relationship.
A family of procreation refers to the family unit formed when individuals marry and have children, focusing on raising the next generation.
A communal family is characterized by multiple adults living together and sharing responsibilities, often pooling resources for communal living.
A patriarchal family structure is defined by male authority, where the oldest male is usually the primary decision-maker and holds power over other family members.

Extended Families and Specific Terms

A joint family includes a father, mother, and their children, along with other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The term polygamous family describes a family consisting of one man or woman with several spouses simultaneously.
A blended family arises from the remarriage of a widowed person who brings children from a previous relationship into a new family unit.
A chosen family refers to a family formed without legal or blood ties, created through emotional bonds, friendships, and mutual support.
A cohabiting family can also describe a lived-in unmarried couple who may or may not have children together, emphasizing their partnership without formal marriage.

Description

Learn about the different types of families within a community and how societal values and customs shape their roles and functions. Explore the concepts of nuclear and extended families, and understand the influence of external forces on the family unit.