Types of Family and Household

Question	Answer
Nuclear Family	Two generations: Parents and children, living ion the same household
Extended Family	All kin, including and beyond the nuclear family
Classic Extended Family	An extended family sharing the same household or living near each other
Modified Extended Family	An extended family living far apart, but keeping in touch by phone, letters, email, social media, and frequent visits
Beanpole Family	A multi-generation extended family, which is long and thin. There are few aunts, uncles and cousins, reflecting fewer children being born in each generation, yet people are living longer.
Patriarchal Family	Authority held by males
Matriarchal Family	Authority held by females
Symmetrical Family	Authority and household tasks being shared between male and females partners equally
Reconstituted Family	Also known as Step-family, and Blended Family One or both partners previously married, with children from previous relationships
Long parent family (SPF)	Lone parent with dependent children. Commonly created after divorce or separation, though it may come from death of a partner, or unwillingness to marry/cohabit
Gay/Lesbian Family	Same-sex couple living together with children
Single Person Household	An Individual living alone

Resource summary

	Created by Phoebe Fletcher about 9 years ago