The extended family today

Question 1

What did Charles’ study of Swansea reveal in terms of the extended family?

Answer 1

• The classic three generation family all living under one roof was virtually extinct apart from in the Bangladeshi community

Question 2

What does Wilmott argue about the existence of the extended family?

Answer 2

• It has declined but not disappeared entirely
• It continues to exist as a ‘dispersed extended family’ where relatives are geographically separate but communicate through phone calls and visits

Question 3

What does Chamberlain mean by a ‘multiple nuclear family’?

Answer 3

• Through her study of Caribbean families in the UK

- Although they are geographically dispersed, they continue to provide support

Question 4

What is the beanpole family, according to Brannen?

Answer 4

• It is vertically extended through 3 or more generations

- But it doesn’t extend horizontally: doesn’t involve aunts, uncles, cousins…

Question 5

What 2 changes may beanpole families be the result of?

Answer 5

1. Increased life expectancy

2. Smaller family sizes

Question 6

In terms of obligations to relatives, what % of people have been given/given themselves help financially?

Answer 6

Over 90%