Family Types

1. Nuclear Families

• Definition: Often called the traditional family
• Components: Mother, father, and their biological or adoptive descendants
• Characteristics: Both adults are the biological or adoptive parents of their children

2. Single-Parent Families

• Definition: Family with only one parent in the household raising the children
• Causes:
  • High divorce rates
  • Adults choosing not to marry

3. Extended Families

• Definition: Formed by two or more adults from different generations sharing a household
• Components: Parents, children, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, foster children, etc.
• Reasons for Formation:
  • Help raising children
  • Support for an ill relative
  • Help with financial problems

4. Childless Families

• Definition: Couples or groups who have never had children
• Characteristics:
  • Often focus on careers or travel
  • Usually have pets instead of children