FINAL OUTPUT

in
PERDEV – 11

Topic: FAMILY STRUCTURE

Date: DECEMBER 15, 2020

Submitted by: JANE FRINCES ESTREMOS

Submitted to: MR. ERRON FRANCISO NICOL
FINAL OUTPUT : FAMILY STRUCTURE

First and foremost, what is “family structure”? How do you define family structure
in today’s generation? “Family structure” is a term that describes the members of a
household who are linked by marriage or bloodline and is typically used in reference to at
least one child residing in the home under the age of 18. It reflects relationships at the
juncture of biological relatedness, marital and partnership status, and living
arrangements. Today these structures are identified as two‐parent, one‐parent, and “living
with neither parent” (e.g., adoptive families, grandparent families or other relatives, foster
care families, institutionalized children). However, since the mid‐1940s other changes in
family life have resulted in more complicated designations of family structure, including
blended families, single‐parent plus partner families (cohabiting couples, both opposite sex
and same sex), multigenerational families, and binuclear families). This entry outline the
various common definitions of different family structures, identifies changes in family
structure over time, and discusses their increasing complexity.
There are several sources of data available that provide information on family
structure (see US Census Bureau 2009). The longest established data source is the
Decennial Census, first taken in 1790. Current Population Surveys (CPS) began in 1947 and
were followed by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) in 1973, the Survey of
Income and Program Participation (SIPP) in 1978, and the American Community Survey in
2005. The strengths and weaknesses of these sources of data vary as do their estimates on
family structure. Some surveys are better for estimating the prevalence of children living
with unmarried parents (e.g., CPS), whereas others provide better estimates of complex
families and living arrangements of children tracked over time (e.g., SIPP). In addition, the
NSFG was undertaken to provide additional information on fertility, relationship status,
and children. For example, from 1973 to 1995 the NSFG focused only on women; both men
and women were surveyed in 2002; and in 2006–11 and 2011–15 data collection of large
samples of both men and women were obtained. These surveys provide the best estimates
of past and emerging family structures, such as those families where multiple partner
fertility occurs (a father or mother with biological children from at least one prior partner).
Prior to the availability of these data sources, the Decennial Census provided most
of the available information regarding family structure. Interestingly, from 1790 to 1940,
“family” (those related by marriage, blood, or adoption) was not distinguished from
“household” (which could contain more than one family). Most of the early censuses
(1790–1880) focused on race, nativity, parentage, occupation, and dwelling. It was not until
1880 that enumeration of “relationships between household members (e.g., father, son,
cousin, grandmother) and “civil condition” (marital status) were included. Since then,
additional information has been added that allows the differentiation between family
structures, and this has resulted in key definitions that are commonly accepted across data
sources and are reflected in the reporting of family structure.
Key definitions that are used in discussions of family structure include the following
(see US Census Bureau 2013b).
 Household: one or more people living in a housing unit; a householder is one
of the people who owns or rents the residence.
 Family household: at least two members related by birth, marriage, or
adoption, one of whom is the householder; maintained by married couples or by a man or
woman living with other relatives – children may or may not be present.
 Nuclear family: a family in which a child lives with two married biological
parents and with only full siblings, if siblings are present.
 Cohabiting families: those in which the child's parent is living with at least
one opposite‐sex, nonrelated adult. This additional adult may or may not be the biological
parent of the child.
 Same‐sex cohabiting/married families: those in which the child's parent is
living with at least one same‐sex, nonrelated adult. The additional adult may or may not be
the biological parent of the child.
 Stepfamilies and blended families (terms used interchangeably): formed
when remarriages occur or when children living in a household share one or no parents.
The presence of a stepparent, stepsibling, or half‐sibling designates a family as blended.
In the past, family structure was pretty standard. It included two married adults
raising their offspring. However, this has changed drastically over time. For the past 50
years, this basic setting has diversified and created a new meaning to family structure. The
different types of families that we have in the modern day include; nuclear family, extended
family, single parent family, step family, childless family, same-sex family and grandparents
family.
Although the nuclear family is the most preferred setting with more emotional and
financial support, the other types of family settings are acceptable as well. What is
considered important is the existence of love and respect among the members of that
family. As long as the children are well provided for and happy, each setting is considered
acceptable by the society. Every family setting has some benefits attached to it.
A family setting is important as it provides a sense of belonging to the parties
involved. The children mostly benefit from this as they feel loved and accepted. This plays a
big role in their emotional and social and behavioral development. Children born in a
nuclear family are more likely to experience this. Spouses also get to enjoy this emotional
luxury which builds on their esteem and accomplishment hence willingness to keep the
family together.
Family structure has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. The Leave it to
Beaver family is no longer the standard, and several variations on family have been created.
There are six specific types of family structures identified by society today.
 A. NUCLEAR FAMILY
One of 6 type of family structure is the nuclear family it simply defines as a family
unit that includes two married parents of opposite genders and their biological or adopted
children living in the same residence. However, the term "nuclear family" can mean several
things in today's society. Understanding the classic roles in this type of family and how it is
defined can help you understand the relationships in your own family, whether it's nuclear
or not. This shift in meaning creates an opportunity for outdated definitions to make way
for more inclusive familial terms.
According to the Institute for Family Studies, the nuclear family allowed for more
flexibility in terms of career moves, which impacted a familial shift in America during the
Industrial Revolution and made way for the middle class to form. At that time, industrial
economic booms and rising wages made it possible for young parents to afford their own
homes without living with extended family members. Better healthcare bolstered the
nuclear family, as elderly members became more self-sufficient and independent for
decades after their children were grown.
Today the nuclear family includes two parents and their child or children living
under one roof. This not only includes biological children, but adopted little ones as well.
Nuclear families have evolved over time, and the outdated concept of a nuclear family only
including parents of opposite sexes is no longer seen as the norm. Today a nuclear family
includes parents who identity as LGBTQIA. This means that parents in a nuclear family may
or may not be legally married, but have chosen to raise a child or children together.
Families are all unique and regardless if they are considered nuclear, the most
important value one can have is love. How each family encourages family values and
connections varies, and there is no right or wrong family style.
Each family type will have pros and cons. A family adapts according to its size and
needs, and just because a family may be defined as nuclear does not mean there aren't
strong bonds with extended family members. The reverse is also true in that just because
one may live with extended family does not guarantee stronger bonds with each other.
How each family encourages family values and connections varies, and there is no right or
wrong family style.
B. SINGLE PARENT FAMILY
Today single parent families have become even more common than the so-called
"nuclear family" consisting of a mother, father and children. Today we see all sorts of single
parent families: headed by mothers, fathers, and even by a grandparent raising their
grandchildren.

Life in a single parent household—though common—can be quite stressful for the

adult and the children. The single parent may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of
juggling caring for the children, maintaining a job, and keeping up with the bills and
household chores. And typically, the family's finances and resources are drastically reduced
following the parents' breakup.

Single parent families deal with many other pressures and potential problem areas
that other families may not face.

The single parent can help family members face these difficulties by talking with
each other about their feelings and working together to tackle problems. Support from
friends, other family members and places of worship can help too. But if family members
are still overwhelmed and having problems, it may be time to consult an expert or a
licensed mental health professional.

Studies show that children in single-parent homes are more likely to go without
some basic needs and wants, things such as warm winter coats and other necessities, as
opposed to those raised in nuclear or extended family structures. While this may be true,
there also are single parents who are successful than two nuclear parents combined. The
bottom line is children within any family setting get to enjoy their basics met. However, this
depends on the financial ability and willingness of the adults involved.
Stay at home moms in nuclear family setting also attest to the mental satisfaction of
their needs being provided for by their spouses as they focus on raising the kids.
C. EXTENDED FAMILY
A definition of extended families is simply a family unit that extends past the nuclear
family to include other relatives such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents. There is more to
an extended family, however, than just a list of relatives, and understanding the structure
of an extended family and why it can be a valuable type of family unit can help you better
understand your own family structure.
An extended family can also be called a complex family, joint family, or multi-
generational family. In most cultures, the "core" of the family is the nuclear family, the
parents and their children, while additional relatives are considered "extended." This type
of family unit has multiple relatives or close friends other than just the parents and their
children living in the same household or keeping close ties and taking on responsibilities
for that household. The key characteristic of the extended family is that there are multiple
adults in the family that are not parents of the children, though they may also have parent-
like roles and share in the responsibilities for providing for the whole family, either by
contributing financially or in other ways.
Thanks to technology, family members living far away from each other can now
contribute to the care of extended family members from afar with ease. A modified
extended family, or dispersed extended family, includes family members who don't live in
the same household, or even the same area, but keep close ties with each other. These types
of extended families may include one or more members who regularly send money to each
other.

In most modern extended families, only one married couple per generation lives in
the home, although there are plenty of examples of multiple married couples and their
children living together. Young married couples without children may also continue to live
as part of an extended family until they have their own children and are better able to move
out on their own. Every extended family can be different, and the relatives or near-relatives
who are part of a multi-generational family in addition to the parents and their children.

No matter who is a member of the extended family, there is often only one head of
the household for family groups living together. Depending on the size of the family and the
roles each member plays, that leader may be the oldest, most senior family member, or the
most prominent breadwinner who contributes a significant portion of the family's finances.
Another way to determine the head of the household is by whose home it was initially; a
young couple living in a parent's home will see the older generation as the heads of
household, whereas a grandparent who moves into her son or daughter's home will see her
child as the head of the household.

D. CHILDLESS FAMILY

While most people think of family as including children, there are couples who
either cannot or choose not to have children. The childless family is sometimes the
"forgotten family," as it does not meet the traditional standards set by society. Childless
families consist of two partners living and working together. Many childless families take
on the responsibility of pet ownership or have extensive contact with their nieces and
nephews.

Having childless family doesn’t mean unfair world. It is just God will, maybe there
still more blessings God plan to us. Just pray to God and nothing is impossible.
E. STEP FAMILY
A stepfamily forms when you and your partner make a life together with the
children from one or both of your previous relationships. The process of forming a new,
blended family can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. While you as parents
are likely to approach remarriage and a new family with great joy and expectation, your
kids or your new spouse’s kids may not be nearly as excited. They’ll likely feel uncertain
about the upcoming changes and how they will affect relationships with their natural
parents. They’ll also be worried about living with new stepsiblings, whom they may not
know well, or worse, ones they may not even like.
Some children may resist changes, while you as a parent can become frustrated
when your new family doesn’t function in the same way as your previous one. While
blending families is rarely easy, these tips can help your new family work through the
growing pains. No matter how strained or difficult things seem at first, with open
communication, mutual respect, and plenty of love and patience, you can develop a close
bond with your new stepchildren and form an affectionate and successful blended family.
To give yourself the best chance of success in creating a blended family, it’s
important to start planning how the new family will function before the marriage even
takes place. After having survived a painful divorce or separation and then managed to find
a new loving relationship, the temptation can often be to rush into remarriage and a
blended family without first laying solid foundations. But by taking your time, you give
everyone a chance to get used to each other, and to the idea of marriage and forming a new
family.
F. GRANDPARENT FAMILY
As grandparents, we usually have the benefit of interacting with our grandkids on a
level that is once removed from the day-to-day responsibilities of parents. For many of us,
grand parenting means a weekend together every now and then, an afternoon play date, an
evening babysitting, a summer vacation, or chats on the phone and email exchanges here
and there. But when life circumstances change—through divorce, the death of parents, or
changes to a parent’s work or school-related responsibilities, for example—it often falls to
grandparents to assume full- or part-time responsibility for their grandchildren.
Also known as “kinship care,” a growing number of grandparents are now taking on
the parenting role for their grandchildren, thus foregoing the traditional
grandparent/grandchild relationship. This often means giving up your leisure time, the
option of traveling, and many other aspects of your independence. Instead, you once again
take on responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of a home, schedules, meals,
homework, and play dates. And if it was tragic circumstances that required you to step into
the role of a parent, you’ll face many other stress factors, such as coping with your own and
your grandchildren’s grief.
But raising your grandchildren, while challenging, can also be incredibly rewarding.
Yes, you may have to deal with colicky babies or moody teenagers, but you’ll also
experience a much greater connection to your grandchild’s world, including their school
and leisure activities. You may also find yourself rolling back the years, rejuvenated by the
constant companionship of much younger people. And you can derive immense satisfaction
from providing your grandchildren with a safe, nurturing, and structured home
environment in which to grow and feel loved.
*There are some occasions and instances in life which require the presence and
support of family members. This includes; school functions, job promotions, birthdays,
weddings, graduations. The presence, availability, and support of one’s family boosts their
self-esteem and confidence. They tend to feel appreciated and loved. This is just as
important in adults as it is for kids.
 *The family structure is important to individuals within it regardless of what it
consists of. What is important is the love within members and their dedication to offer the
needed emotional support to each other.
*Everyone, regardless of how old they are, needs a strong support system in their
lives. This creates a feeling of love which molds a person’s character. The thought of having
a consistent person or people in your life who understand you is comforting. While you
may need to pretend and keep your true nature discrete in public, you are free to be who
you are with your family. You can be a strict boss at work but slip back into your true
nature of a gentle individual when you go back home. This creates a sense of release and is
actually what creates a strong bond with one’s family members.