01. Family Structures

A comprehensive guide to family diversity in modern society.

nuclear family

(n. phr.) a small family unit consisting only of parents and their children. The "Biological Setup" (Parents + Kids). It's about Who they are.

extended family

(n. phr.) a family that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

core family

(n. phr.) The smallest family unit (parents and children) without extended relatives. The "Life Unit" (People you actually live and depend on). It's about How you live.

empty nesters

(n. phr. pl.) Parents whose children have grown up and moved out of the family home, leaving them to live alone.

single-parent family

(n. phr.) a family in which only one parent lives with and takes care of the children.

blended family

(n. phr.) a family formed by the marriage/cohabitation(living together sometimes with relationship) of people with children from previous ties.

chosen family

(n. phr.) a group of people who provide family-like support without legal or biological ties.

kinship care

[U] (n. phr.) the care of children by relatives or close family friends when parents are unable to do so.

grandfamily

(n. phr.) a family headed by grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

foster family

(n. phr.) a family providing a temporary home for children in the social care system.

adoptive family

(n. phr.) a family that has legally and permanently taken a child as their own.

childless family

(n. phr.) a family with no children (usually due to biological necessity or circumstances).

child-free family

(n. phr.) a family that intentionally chooses not to have children (emphasizing personal choice).

DINK family

(n. phr.) a child-free family where both partners have jobs and incomes (Double Income, No Kids).

close family

(n. phr.) Relatives you are emotionally connected to

estranged family

(n. phr.) Family you no longer talk to due to conflict

distant relatives

(n. phr.) Family far away on the family tree

immediate family

Closest relatives (including spouse/siblings) for legal/social purposes.

direct family

Biological ancestors and descendants in a straight vertical line.