Unit 1 You and Others 20
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Family Types
Not all families are the same.
Family type
refers to the makeup of a family. Each family
type provides its members with the love,
support, and attention they need.
• A nuclear family consists of a married
man and woman and their biological
children. Parents share the duties
of raising their children. They also
share the duties of earning income.
Both parents help care for the home.
• A single-parent family consists of one
adult who is raising one or more
children. The single parent may be
separated or divorced. The adult’s
spouse may have died. The adult may never have married. The single
parent must care for the family and provide income and support.
• A stepfamily forms when a single parent marries. The husband,
the wife, or both have children from other marriages. Some
stepfamilies include two mothers and two fathers. Members of
this family type are called stepparents and stepchildren. All family
members must adjust to these new relationships. This type of
family is also called a blended family.
• An extended family has several generations of relatives living together.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins might live as part of an
extended family. Everyone in the family must deal with many people
in the home. There are also more family members to help care for
children, earn money, and complete household tasks.
• A foster family cares for children who are not related to other family
members. These children may need a temporary home. Family
members must work together to adjust to these new relationships.
• An adoptive family forms when a couple, or a single person, chooses
to raise another person’s child as their own. Adoptive parents must
legally be granted responsibility for the child by a state court. The
child then becomes a permanent part of the family.
• A childless family is a couple without children. Some couples choose
not to have children. Others are not able to have children. They may
focus their life on each other and their careers. They may also be able
to spend time with the children of friends and relatives.
• A guardian may be chosen by a family to take responsibility for a
child if the parents are no longer able to provide care. A guardian is
often someone who has a relationship with the family. For instance,
a close relative or friend. A guardian must legally be appointed by
a state court.
Cultural Experiences
Learn more about a culture other
than your own. What is the common
language? What are the main food
dishes? What is the modern way of
dress? How are holidays and special
family events celebrated? Think about
how you can use this information to
improve your community relationships.
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