Typically consists of two generations under one roof (e.g., a husband and wife, or a single parent with children).
Examples include single mothers or fathers and traditional couples.
Extended Family
Involves three or more generations living together or maintaining a close-knit relationship.
Comprises additional relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins living in the same household or closely integrated in daily life.
Polygamous Families
Compound Family Structure
Formed through practices like polygamy and polygyny.
Example: The Emir of Kuwait, who has 120 wives, forming a large family unit with children from various wives.
Polygamy is more prevalent in certain cultures, particularly where wealth allows for multiple marriages (often seen among wealthier men in society).
Key Considerations
Affordability and Cultural Context
The logistics of maintaining multiple family units can be challenging; raising children and supporting multiple spouses requires considerable financial resources.
Cultural acceptance varies across regions, impacting the prevalence of polygamous arrangements.