Unit 1 Sociology: Family Types

Unit 1 Sociology: Family Types

1. Nuclear Family

   • Most common form of family.
   • Consist of a mother, father and dependant children.
   • Most people experience this type at one point in their lives.
   • People have the ability to move around the country easier.
     • For example move closer to better schools or with parents work.
     • This keeps the family together

2. Extended Family

   • Where the generations of one family live together.
   • This is most popular among the working class as grandparents are used for childcare.
   • Brings down the bills as there are more people paying into the 'kitty'.
   • Women are more involved
     • Looking after the home
     • Looking after elderly relatives
     • Looking after the Children
   • Tend to live on the same street or in the same household.
     • Popular in Asian culture

3. Beanpole Family

   • Nuclear Family where the children often share a relationship with their grandparents.
   • In the past a set of grandparents could have 20+ grandchildren.
   • As family size shrinks the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren gets stronger.
   • Life expectancy is increasing so grandparents are seeing their children grow up.
   • Grandparents are seen as a main form of childcare.

4. Single Parent Families (SPF's)

   • Tripled since the 70's
   • 90% headed by women
   • UK has one of the highest rates in Europe.
   • In the past a SPF was the result of the death of the male.
     • Now result of divorce
       • Divorce is easier and cheaper.
     • Choosing to have children alone
   • Easier finically to be a SPF because of the welfare state.
   • Attitude to marriage have changed
     • In the past people got married young and never divorced.
     • Careers and other things are more important.
   • Women and SPF
     • Women are more likely to get custordy.
     • Matrifocal Family
     • Seen as the women's role to care for the family.
   • Popular in the Afro-Caribbean culture

5. Singletons

   • Someone who live by themselves
   • 3 in 10 people
   • Increased
     • More people can afford to live by themselves.
     • There is less stigma
     • Women not tied down to marriage or children.
       • More career minded
     • Divorce is easier/ cheaper / more socially acceptable.

6. Same-Sex Famililes

   • Increased recently
   • Civil Ceremonie
   • No longer illegal
   • Church role has decreased in society
   • Science has increased
     • IVF
     • Surrogacy

7. Reconstituted Family

   • Made up of an adult couple, either married or unmarried who have at least one child from a previous relationship.
     • Children may not get on with step siblings
     • Children may feel like they are being pulled in different directions
   • The two-part families join together
   • Often called a step or blended family