Family (Meaning, Types)

A family is a group of people that are related or united by blood, ties of marriage or by adoption living together.

The family is the primary environment which shapes our identity and personality traits. It greatly influences the totality of who we are.

It is the basic unit of societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More which provides the basic material needs e.g. food, clothing and shelter; and psychological needs e.g. acceptance, guidance, care and love.

Types of Family:

A number of families exist according to various school thought  but basically, there are two major types of families viz 

1. Nuclear family

2. Extended family

Nuclear Family:

A nuclear family is a simple, immediate or conjugal family comprising the man, his wife or wives and children.

It could be a monogamous or polygamous family.

Monogamy is the marriage of one man to one wife. While

Polygamy is the marriage of one man to more than one wife.

Extended Family:

The extended family consist of the man, his wife or wives, children and other people who are related by blood through either the father or the mother.