Types of Family

Introduction

The structure of families varies widely across cultures, and this variation can be categorised into different types based on marriage practices, rule of residence, descent, nature of blood relations, and size/structure.

On the Basis of Marriage Practices

Marriage practices vary across cultures, and the family structure is often based on these practices. The two primary forms of marital relationships are monogamy and polygamy.

In contrast to polygamy, which involves having multiple spouses, monogamy involves having just one spouse.

One man marries multiple wives in a practice known as polygyny. This is common in some African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cultures. In these cultures, wealth and status are often tied to the number of wives a man has.

Polyandry is a form of polygamy in which one woman is married to multiple husbands. This is rare and is found in some Himalayan societies. In these societies, land is scarce, and multiple husbands help to manage it.

On the Basis of Rule of Residence

The rule of residence refers to where a married couple will live after marriage. There are three main types of residence rules −

• Patrilocal residence is when a married couple lives with the husband's family. This is common in many cultures around the world, including most of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In patrilocal societies, the husband is considered the head of the household, and the wife is expected to obey him and his family.

• Matrilocal residence is when a married couple lives with the wife's family. This is rare but found in some societies, such as the Minangkabau people of Indonesia. In matrilocal societies, the wife's family is considered the primary family, and the husband is expected to follow the wife's customs and traditions.

• Neolocal residence is when a married couple sets up their own household separate from both the husband's and wife's families. This is common in Western societies, where individualism and privacy are highly valued.

On the Basis of Descent

Descent refers to the way in which individuals trace their ancestry. There are two main types of descent −

• When a person descends patrilineally, they follow their father's line. Most of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are home to this type of descent, which is the most prevalent in the entire world. In patrilineal societies, inheritance and property rights are passed down through the male line.

• Matrilineal descent is when descent is traced through the mother's line. This is rare but found in some societies, such as the Khasi people of India. In matrilineal societies, inheritance and property rights are passed down through the female line.

On the Basis of Nature of Blood Relations

Anthropologists classify family structures on the basis of the nature of blood relations. Blood relations refer to the genetic ties between individuals in a family. The following are the different types of family structures based on the nature of blood relations −

Nuclear Family

A basic family structure made up of parents and their offspring. The majority of families in western societies have this type of structure. Nuclear families are characterised by a strong parent-child bond and a focus on the immediate family unit.

Extended Family

A group of people from different generations who live in the same home. Many non-Western societies have families that are structured in this way. Families are supported socially, financially, and by childcare from extended families.

Matrilineal Family

A matrilineal family is one in which descent and inheritance are traced through the mother's line. This type of family structure is common in many societies in Africa, Asia, and South America. Matrilineal families are often characterised by strong matriarchal figures and a focus on the mother's family line.

Patrilineal Family

A patrilineal family is one in which descent and inheritance are traced through the father's line. This type of family structure is common in many societies in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Patrilineal families are often characterised by strong patriarchal figures and a focus on the father's family line.

Bilateral Family

A bilateral family is one in which descent and inheritance are traced through both the mother's and father's lines. This type of family structure is common in many societies around the world. Bilateral families provide a sense of belonging and identity to both sides of the family.

On the Basis of Size and Structure

Family structures are classified by anthropologists according to their size and structure. Family size is the total number of people in a family, whereas family structure is how those people are arranged within the family. The following are the different types of family structures based on size and structure −

• Nuclear Family: It is made up of parents and their offspring. The smallest and most fundamental family structure is this one.

• Extended Family: A group of people from different generations who live in the same home. The biggest and most complex family structure is the one described here.

• Blended Family: A blended family is one in which two families come together to form a new family unit. This type of family structure is becoming increasingly common in many societies due to high rates of divorce and remarriage.

• Single-parent: Families are made up of one parent and their offspring. This type of family structure is common in many societies due to factors such as divorce, death, and abandonment.

• Adoptive Family: An adoptive family is one in which a child is legally adopted by one or more individuals who are not the child's biological parents. This type of family structure is common in many societies as a means of providing a stable home for children who are not able to live with their biological parents.

Conclusion

In anthropology, families can be classified into various types based on marriage practices, rule of residence, descent, nature of blood relations, and size or structure. Marriage practices determine the type of family, such as monogamous, polygamous, or polyandrous. The rule of residence determines whether a family is patrilocal, matrilocal, or neolocal. Descent-based families can be classified as patrilineal, matrilineal, or bilateral. The nature of blood relations refers to the relationships between members of a family, such as consanguineous or affinal. Size and structure-based classification includes nuclear, joint, extended, and blended families. The classification of families is crucial in understanding the cultural and social aspects of various communities worldwide.

FAQs

Q1. Can a family be both matrilocal and matrilineal?

Ans. Yes, it is possible for a family to be both matrilocal and matrilineal. These families follow the mother's line of ancestry, and the married couple resides with the wife's family.

Q2. Are polygamous families more common than monogamous families?

Ans. No, monogamous families are more common than polygamous families. While polygamous families exist in some cultures, they are not the norm.

Q3. What distinguishes a nuclear family from an extended family?

Ans. A married couple and their kids make up a nuclear family, while grandparents, aunts, and uncles are included in an extended family.