Lesson Types of Families 1

Activity1. Handout 2


Nuclear family – a family unit that consists of father, mother, and children.
Extended family – a family that extends beyond the nuclear family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives, who all live nearby or in one household.
Lone-parent/One-parent/Single-parent family – a family that consists of one parent and his or her children living together. (Ant. Two-parent family)
Better-off family – a wealthy, prosperous family.
Low-income family – an underprovided, needy, poor family.
Large/Long family/Family of depended children – a family consisting of many children. (Ant. Childless family)


Unhappy/Disadvantaged family – a problem family.
Foster family – a family of a fosterling (adopted child). (Ant. Biological family)
Dysfunctional family – a family where the relationships or behaviour of its members are different from what is considered to be normal.
Multigenerational family – a family consisting of several generations. (Ant. One-generational family)
Patriarchal family – a family where a husband dominates.
Matriarchal family - a family where women are more powerful or important than men.
Patrilocal family – a family in which the couple settles in the husband’s home or community.
Matrilocal family – a family in which the husband goes to live with wife’s community.
Heterogamous family – a family where spouses are from different sociological or educational backgrounds.
Homogamous family – a family where spouses are from similar sociological or educational backgrounds.


What is an extended family?
What are the best ways to maintain good relationships in extended families?
What are the benefits of living in an extended family?
Would it be difficult to maintain good relationships in an extended family if new family members are of another nationality or race?
What are the benefits of living in a multinational or multiracial family?