Types of Family in Community

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.