The Family

Question 0

Characteristics of extended families?

Answer 0

Incorporates grandparents, parents, children, uncles, aunts and cousins all living in close proximity and willing to help each other.
Larger than nuclear family.
Members are interdependent.
Often found in agricultural areas.
Not mobile.
Long lasting.
Support in times of crisis.
Segregated gender roles.

Question 1

Characteristics of nuclear families?

Answer 1

Consists of parents and their children.
Small in size.
Mobile.
Often dual income.
Democratic decision making not reliant on extended family.
Egalitarian - equal roles.
Can be isolated in crisis.
Concluded with death or divorce.
Same-sex families are similar except two parents are the same sex

Question 2

Characteristics of single/lone parent families?

Answer 2

Consists of one parent.
Created through choice, divorce, separation, desertion or death of spouse.
Many single parent families experience a range of problems.

Question 3

Problems experienced by single parent families? (6)

Answer 3

Poverty - increased cost of living.
Dependence on state benefits.
Financial difficulties - cost of childcare may prevent returning to work.
Emotional difficulties.
Uncertainties carrying out the role of both parents.
Absence of role models.

Question 4

Characteristics of blended families?

Answer 4

Created when two adults from separate relationships and their children form a new unit.
Becoming more widespread.
Size of the family changes when two families are joined together.
There can be discipline difficulties .
There are some similar characteristics to the nuclear family.