Essay on Types of the Family – Sociologists have spoken of different forms or types of family. They have taken into consideration different factors as the basis for the classification of the family. A few classifications can be mentioned.
On the basis of marriage family has been classified into three major types: (i) Polygamous or Polygynous Family, (ii) Polyandrous Family, and (iii) Monogamous Family.
On the basis of the nature of residence family can be classified into three main forms: (i) Family of Matrilocal Residence, (ii) Family of Patrilocal Residence, and (iii) Family of Changing Residence.
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On the basis of ancestry or descent family can be classified into two main types: (i) Matrilineal Family, and (ii) Pratrilineal Family.
On the basis of the nature of authority family can be classified into two main types, (i) Matriarchal Family, and (ii) Patriarchal Family.
On the basis of size or structure and the depth of generations family can be classified into two main types: (i) the Nuclear or the Single Unit Family, and (ii) The Joint or the Undivided Family.
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On the basis of the Nature of Relations among the family members the family can be classified into two main types: (i) The Conjugal Family which consists of adult members among whom there exists sex relationship, and (ii) Consanguine Family which consists of members among whom there exists what is known as “blood relationship”—brother and sister, father and son, etc.