Types and Forms of a Family
Almost all of the world's population live in family units, but the structures or forms vary from one society to another and from one social class to another within the same society. These various forms have a number of implications in family interaction.
2. According to Organized Descent Grouping : This means that the family traces its descent or lineage either on the mother, father or both sides.
- Patrilineal Family - A family that traces its ancestry from the paternal or father’s side.
- Matrilineal Family - A family that traces its ancestry from the maternal or mother’s side.
- Bilineal Family - A family that traces its ancestry from both paternal and maternal sides. Also called bilateral.
3. According to Location of Residences
- Patrilocal Family - The married couple live either with the husband's parents or in the community of the husband.
- Matrilocal Family - Family in which the newlyweds live with parents of the wife or in the community of the wife.
- Bilocal Family - The married couple who come from the same community establish their residence in the same community.
- Neolocal Family - Family in which the newlyweds have their own home at once.
4. According to the Degree of Authority
- Patriarchal Family - Family in which the father is the head, dominant, and makes major decision.
- Matriarchal Family - Family in which the mother is the head, dominant and makes major decision.
- Equalitarian Family - Family in which husband and wife have equal authority and jointly make major decision.