Understanding Family Types

Family Types

• Families come in various forms and arrangements.
• Individuals can find love, support, and happiness in any family or household arrangement.
• People may experience different family types throughout their lives.

Glossary of Family Terms

• Extended family: Consists of more than two generations of a family, living together under the same roof (e.g., aunts, uncles, cousins).
• Nuclear family: Includes both parents and their child or children.
• Single-parent family: A family unit with only one parent and their child(ren).
• Reconstituted/reconstructed family: A family unit made up of two adults and their children from previous relationships.
• Joint family household: An extended family type in which married children and their families live with the parents.
• Patriarchal family: Authority lies with the father.
• Matriarchal family: Authority lies with the mother.
• Equalitarian family: Authority is shared between mother and father.
• Matrifocal family: A family unit headed by a mother, lacking a father permanently or for an extended period.
• Patrifocal family: A family unit headed by a father, lacking a mother permanently or for an extended period.
• Breadwinner: The family member(s) who provides financial support.

Single-Parent Family Details

• Includes one parent (mother or father) living with their child or children.
• The other parent still may share the responsibilities of child-rearing and financial support, even if not resident.
• The parent in a single-parent family may be involved in a visiting relationship.

Absent Parents

• When the father is absent, the family is considered matrifocal.
• When the mother is absent, the family is considered patrifocal.

Nuclear Family Authority

• Authority in the nuclear family may be matriarchal, patriarchal, or equalitarian.

Breadwinner Role

• Status and authority of parents within families can be tied to their roles as breadwinners.
• Breadwinners sometimes tend to be more influential in decision making.