Extended family

Extended Family

Extended family (/ɪkˈstɛndɪd ˈfæmɪli/), from the Latin extensus meaning "stretched out" and familia meaning "family", is a term used to describe a family unit that extends beyond the nuclear family, which is a family group consisting of parents and their children. It includes relatives such as aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and others.

Definition

An extended family is a family that extends beyond the nuclear family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives, who all live nearby or in the same household. An example is a married couple that lives with either the husband or the wife's parents. The family changes from immediate household to extended household.

Types of Extended Families

There are two main types of extended families:

• Patrilocal extended family: In this type of family, the husband's parents are included in the family unit. This is common in many parts of Asia and the Middle East.
• Matrilocal extended family: In this type of family, the wife's parents are included in the family unit. This is common in many Native American cultures.

Importance of Extended Family

Extended families play a crucial role in various cultures around the world. They provide support, care, and guidance to all members, especially during times of crisis or need. They also play a significant role in the upbringing and education of children.

Related Terms

• Nuclear family
• Kinship
• Clan
• Tribe
• Family structure

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Extended family
• Wikipedia's article - Extended family

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