Types of Families :
Based on different attributes families can be of the following types :
Size :
Joint and Nuclear. Depending on the size of a family it can either be :
• Joint Family : One which includes a husband and wife, their biological or adopted off springs, grandparents and other relatives, all living together.
• Nuclear : Such a family is comprised of a husband and wife and their biological or adopted children.
Authority :
Based on the criteria of authority family can be :
• Matriarchal : In this type of family, the female holds the highest status and authority of being the head of the family.
• Patriarchal: In this type, a male member holds the highest status, authority and decisive powers in the family.
Residence : Based on the form of residence a family can either be
• Matrilocal : In this type, the bride and groom, post-marriage reside in the bride’s mother’s house. Or
• Patrilocal: In this type, post-marriage the bride and groom stay at the groom’s father’s house.
Descent :
Based on tracing of descent families can either be :
• Matrilineal: In this type descent is traced along female line and property is passed down along the female live. Thus descent is traced from the mother’s side.
• Patrilineal : In this type descent is traced along the father’s side and property is passed down along the male line.
Number of spouses :
Based on this criteria families can either be :
• Monogamous : Families where one man marries only one woman at a given point of time.
• Polygamous : Families where a man or a woman are married to more than one spouse at a time.