Families and households Flashcards
What is a nuclear family?
A family consisting of a pair of adults and their children.
What are two advantages of a nuclear family?
Financial stability
Strong support system for children and easier co-parenting.
What are two disadvantages of a nuclear family?
Possible isolation from extended family
Lack of emotional/financial support in old age.
What is an extended family?
A family that includes multiple generations, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
What are two advantages of an extended family?
Shared economic responsibilities
Strong family bonds.
What are two disadvantages of an extended family?
Potential conflicts
Complicated financial management.
What is a beanpole family?
A long, thin multigenerational family with few aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
What are two advantages of a beanpole family?
Longer life expectancy
Stronger grandparent-child relationships.
What are two disadvantages of a beanpole family?
Possible parental neglect
Limited diversity in perspectives
What is a reconstituted family?
A blended family where at least one child is from a previous relationship.
What are two advantages of a reconstituted family?
Reduced expenses through shared households and higher happiness levels in some cases.
What are two disadvantages of a reconstituted family?
Children may struggle with sharing parents
Have difficulties with stepparents.
What is a same-sex couple family?
A family where both partners are of the same gender.
What are two advantages of same-sex couples raising children?
More balanced division of labor
Greater tolerance and nurturing environment.
What are two disadvantages of same-sex couples raising children?
Lack of biological parental influence
Absence of gender-specific role models.
What is a matrifocal lone parent family?
A family headed by a mother with little or no father involvement.
What are two advantages of a matrifocal lone parent family?
Reduces patriarchal oppression
Creates close, empathetic mother-child relationships.
What are two disadvantages of a matrifocal lone parent family?
Lack of male role models
Challenges in disciplining children.
What is a symmetrical family?
A family where both partners equally share responsibilities.
What are two advantages of a symmetrical family?
Balanced workload
Stronger communication and teamwork.
What are two disadvantages of a symmetrical family?
It is often idealistic
Women may still bear more domestic responsibilities.
What does ‘living apart together’ mean?
A couple is in a relationship but lives separately.
What are two advantages of living apart together?
More independence
Increased appreciation for the relationship.
What are two disadvantages of living apart together?
Higher financial burden
Potential trust issues.
What is an empty nest family?
A household where parents live alone after their children have moved out.
What are two advantages of an empty nest family?
More personal freedom
Greater financial stability.
What are two disadvantages of an empty nest family?
Feelings of emptiness
Relationship struggles after kids leave.
What is a boomerang family?
A family where children move back in with their parents after living independently.
What are two advantages of a boomerang family?
Shared household responsibilities
Financial support.
What are two disadvantages of a boomerang family?
Falling into old parent-child patterns
Reduced privacy for parents.
