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Monogamy

Marriage or relationship involving two individuals.

found in Europe, the USA and most Christian cultures

Serial monogamy

A series of monogamous marriages, one after another.

Arranged marriage

A marriage where parents select partners for their children, typically found in cultures with high divorce rates to match their children with partners of a similar background and status

Found in the Indian sub-continent and Muslim, Sikh and Hindu minority ethnic groups in Britain

Civil partnership

Legal recognition of same-sex relationships, providing equal treatment to married couples.

equal treatment to married couples range of legal givatters. In 2014, gay and lesbian couples were legally enabled to marry on the same basis as different sex coupl

Polygamy

Marriage to more than one partner at the same time.

Polygyny

A form of polygamy where one husband has two or more wives.

Found in Islamic countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Polyandry

A form of polygamy where one wife has two or more husbands.

Found in Tibet, among the Todas of southern India, and among the Marquesan Islanders

Nuclear family

A family structure consisting of two generations: parents and their children.

Extended family

A family structure that includes all relatives kin beyond the nuclear family.

Classic extended family

An extended family living in the same household or nearby.

Modified extended family

An extended family that is geographically separated but maintains contact by phone, letters, email, networking websites like Facebook and frequent visits

Beanpole family

A multi-generation extended family with few aunts, uncles, and cousins, due to fewer children being born in each generation, but people living longer

Patriarchal family

Family structure where authority is held by males.

Matriarchal family

Family structure where authority is held by females.

Symmetrical family

A family where authority and tasks are shared between male and female partners.

Reconstituted family or blended family or stepfamily

A family formed by one or both partners who have been previously married and have children of previous relationships

Lone parent family

A family consisting of one parent with dependent children, often following divorce. (though may also arise from death of a partner or unwillingness to marry or cohabit)

Gay or lesbian family

A family consisting of a same-sex couple living together, possibly with children.

Single person household

A living arrangement where an individual resides alone.

Civil partnership legal changes

In 2014, same-sex couples were legally enabled to marry on the same basis as heterosexual couples.