Perdev u11

The Family

It is traditionally known to be the basic unit of society and a primary agent of socialization.

Traditional Structure

can either be nuclear or extended

Emerging Structure

includes single parent, blended families, homosexual families and cohabitation

Nuclear family

is composed of a father, a mother and the child/children.

Extended Family

includes the grandparents and/or relatives of the nuclear family.

Single parent

this family structure can occur through death, separation/divorce or adoption without marriage.

Blended families

also referred to as stepfamilies where both parents bring children from a previous marriage.

Homosexual/Lesbian families

occur when two homosexuals living together raise child/children from previous relationships or through adoption.

Cohabitation

involves an unmarried male and female living together raising child/children of their own or through adoption.

Contemporary families

are exposed to various changes in the society that challenges their ability to perform their basic functions.